Marking of purpose constructions (Northern Mansi)

PurpV2: Purpose constructions are marked by a nonfinite verb form.

PurpWV1: Purpose constructions are marked by an independent word (referent) in the main clause.


(1) miša ūs-n mina-s, kaŋk-e jot χontχat-ne maγǝs.
Misha town-lat go-pst.3sg brother-3sg -with meet-ptcp.prs due_to
‘Misha is going to the town in order to meet his brother.’ (S. D.)


(2) miša ūs-n ta urǝl mina-s, tot kaŋk-e jot  χontχati.
Misha town-lat that due_to go-pst.3sg there brother-3sg -with meet.prs.3sg
‘Misha is going to the town in order to meet his brother.’ (S. D.)


In Northern Mansi, participle constructions express purpose relations (1) (Rombandeeva 1979). It is possible, however, to use another construction which contains a connective guide word in the main clouse and two finite verbs (2).

Author: 

Szilvia Németh