On the paradigm of the oblique mood in Lithuanian and Latvian

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Baltistika; Dalyvis; Gretinamoji gramatika; Latvių kalba; Netiesioginė nuosaka; Neveikiamieji dalyviai; Paradigma; Sintaksė; Baltic studies; Contrastive grammar; Latvian; Latvian language; Lithuanian; Oblique mood; Paradigm; Participant; Participles; Syntax.

ENThis paper deals with the mechanisms of derivation of the forms of the oblique mood as well as with the structure of the paradigm of the oblique mood in the modem Baltic languages. In addition to the oblique mood proper, other evidential forms, based on passive participles, arc also discussed. A number of corrections to the paradigm of the oblique mood in Latvian as described in the existing grammars is proposed. It is suggested that the oblique mood is a variety of the indicative (with additional quotative marking), and that there is a derivational relationship between the forms of the direct mood (the indicative) and those of the oblique mood, the latter being derived from the former by substitution of a participle for the finite part of the verb form (whereas originally the oblique mood consisted in the use of participles instead of finite forms, there being no derivational relationship between the two). This rule applies to passive forms as well, with the exception of forms without auxiliary like (vins) saukls, which cannot be derived from a passive form of the direct mood and stand apart from the remaining passive forms of the oblique mood. They seem to enter a functional relationship with subject less active 3rd person forms of the direct mood. The Lithuanian system of cvidcntials is basically similar to that of Latvian, but the forms based on passive participles play a more important part here and perform specific functions distinct from that of the oblique mood. It is suggested that the Lithuanian evidential forms consisting of passive participles such as čia esama grybų (not to be confused with the forms of the oblique mood derived from passive forms of the direct mood, such as buvęs atneštas) should be set apart from passives proper. They are part of a larger system of evidential forms comprising also the oblique mood. [From the publication]