An Analysis of the Semantics of Manchu Modal Verbs--An Introduction to Manchu (Qīngwén qǐméng 清文啟蒙) as an Example

Chen Lu

Abstract: There are four auxiliary verbs in Manchu that can be used with other verbs as modal verbs, namely bahanambi "will", mutembi "can", ombi "can " and aqambi "should". This paper describes and classifies the semantic differences and features of the four Manchu modal verbs by analyzing the "Qīngwén qǐméng 清文啟蒙" and related corpus. From the perspective of illocutionary intent, V-me bahanambi and V-me mutembi are classified as assertion verbs, and V-qi ombi and V-qi aqambi are classified as command verbs. Compared with Chinese, V-me bahanambi cannot express the speculative meaning of the word "will" and V-me mutembi cannot express the permissive meaning of the word "can". In general, the semantic range of Manchu modal verbs is smaller than that of Chinese modal verbs, especially in the Chinese to Manchu translation, which cannot correspond to each other.