A verb is a word, or a group of words, which describe an action or a state. For example: dance (wa), go (chama), fall (lu), learn (bɔhim).

Personal Pronouns In Dagbanli

Present Continuous Lesson

Conjugating The Verb “To-Be”

A verb can be an action or a state, such as love (yurilim), know (mi), or have (mali).

• N yuri paɣa maa pam – I love the lady a lot
• N mi’o – I know him/her
• N Mal’la buku – I have a book

First, Second and Third Person Verbs

First Person

As in English, the first, second and third person verbs can also be achieved in Dagbanli.

Each action (or state) references a person. In other words: Who? Who is doing it? Or, who is in that state? We call it the “person.”

When the verb shows an action or a state of the person speaking, we say the verb is in the first person. Examples;

• Ni chɛŋ karimzɔŋ/shikuru – I will go to school
• N yuri buku karimbu – I love reading books
• Ti nyuri kɔm – We drink water

Second Person

When the verb shows an action or a state of the person you are speaking to, we say the verb is in the second person. Examples;

• A gbihiri pam – You sleep a lot
• A guuri pam – You run a lot
• A mi bɔl’li ŋmebu venyɛlinga – You know how to play football well

Third Person

When the verb shows an action or a state of someone else, which is not present, we say the verb is in the third person. Examples;

•  O mi bɔl’li ŋmeb venyɛlinga – He/She knows how to play football well
• Di tumda – It works
• Bi guurimi – They are running

Glossary

ɛ, ɣ, ŋ, ɔ, and ʒ

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Lesson by: Rasheeda Yehuza

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