Analyzing [maw] as a Modal Element in Laki

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Linguistics, Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Associate Professor of Linguistics, Department of English and Linguistics, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

3 Ph.D. Student in Linguistics, Department of English and Linguistics, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

Modality is a linguistic device used to express concepts such as necessity, obligation, probability, commitment, and assumption in language. To fully describe events, situations, or people's attitudes, the use of verbs or noun phrases alone is not sufficient. Modality serves as an essential tool in all human languages for accurately conveying meaning. This study provides a theoretical analysis of modality in Laki, focusing on the modal functions of the element [mAw] within Palmer’s (2001) framework. In addition to its role in forming compound verbs in Laki, [mAw] also has a modal function. The analysis demonstrates that this element conveys the modal meanings of possibility and permission. It is a commuting term that takes on different meanings in various contexts. It also appears once in a sentence before the lexical verb and is not inflected. Based on these four criteria, [mAw] can be considered a modal auxiliary verb. This element represents event modality of permissive deontic in the Laki language. 

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References

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Research in Western Iranian Languages and Dialects
Volume 13, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 39-52

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