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>
> Can you explain to me how you can tell a case tag from an adverb? As
> I understand them, a case tag is basically a focused adverb. But I've
> seen examples where this isn't true, and now I'm confused.
>
A case tag has an explicit argument (sometimes two arguments). An
adverb does not. Both adverbs and case tags have an implied subject.
The role of the explicit argument (agent, agent-patient, patient, or
focus) is irrelevant.
For example, in "He ran quickly", the implied subject of the verbal
meaning 'to be quick' is either "he" or the entire clause "he ran".
However, "quickly" does not have an explicit argument. Thus, it is an
adverb.
In "He stood in front of the class telling the students a joke", there
are two case tags: "in front of" and "telling". The implied subject of
each one is "he" because "he" (a patient) is in front of the class and
because "he" (an agent) is telling the students a joke. The explicit
object of "in front of" is its focus "the class". The explicit objects
of "telling" are the patient "the students" and the focus "a joke".
In other words, the difference between an adverb and a case tag is the
difference between a closed and an open argument structure:
closed verb: "mamensanta" = 'it's hot out'
open verb: "mensanta" = 'to be hot'
closed adverb: "pinte" = "mapinde" = 'already', 'earlier'
open case tag: "pinde" = 'before'
closed noun: "pegompi" = 'opener'
open noun: "pegompaw" = 'opener of'
closed adjective: "pinto" = 'previous', 'earlier'
open adjective: "pindu" = 'before' (e.g. "the day before the party")
I hope this helps.
>
> 2) How would we say "The trip resumed when John was feeling better"?
> Would we use "malincenfa" for 'resumed'?
>
That'll work. You can also use P-d "lincenka". You don't have to imply
an agent if you don't want to.
>
> P.S. Has something happened to your "eskimo" address? It didn't work
> yesterday.
>
Probably a temporary glitch. The onslaught of junkmail certainly hasn't
slowed down.
Regards,
Rick Morneau
http://www.srv.net/~ram
http://www.eskimo.com/~ram