ku + instruction

Addressing Several People

Level 3

Ku + verb directs the addressed participants; kada ku + verb prohibits an action.

How It Works

For an instruction to several listeners, place subjunctive ku before the verb. This subject form has a short vowel and Low tone, neither shown in ordinary Boko spelling. The verb follows its usual object-conditioned pattern rather than the special subjectless imperative pattern.

Compare singular Shiga!, Enter!, with group Ku shiga!. Each successive action needs subject marking: Ku shiga ku zauna! means Enter and sit down! Put kada before the subjunctive construction for a prohibition.

Plural address also occurs for individuals within particular social relationships. The supplied address study documents scoped family and in-law practices, rather than a rule requiring plural address for every elder. Interpretation depends on status, age, role and relationship. Subjunctive grammar alone does not make an instruction polite; wording and interaction also matter.

Examples (3)

  1. Ku kawo kujeru biyu!

    Bring two chairs!

    Ku supplies subjunctive marking for a group.

  2. Ku shiga ku zauna!

    Enter and sit down!

    Both actions have subject marking.

  3. Kada ku rufe taga!

    Do not close the window!

    Kada introduces the prohibition.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ku + instructionLevel 3Addressing Several People

Learn This First

Recognize dependent group instructions and prohibitions, together with post-noun counting, before directing several listeners to act on counted items.