Grammar » 45 » Asking for something to be done

There are a few ways to ask someone to do something.
 

1. The Affix -junnaq- / -gunnaq- / -runnaq-

This common affix is used to express the idea of being able to do something. It changes depending on the last letter of the root that it is added to:

qai- to come
qaijunnaqpisik? Can the two of you come here?
   
uqaluk- to call
Piitamut uqalugunnaqpit? Can you call Piita?
   
tiiliuq- to make tea
Tiiliurunnaqpit? Could you make some tea?
   
aqut- to drive
aquttunnaqpit? Can you drive?

2. The Affix -qu

-qu- is an affix used to express the idea of wanting, asking or telling someone else to do something.  It is folllowed by a transitive verb ending.

aniqujanga He asks him/her to leave.
qaiquguk Tell him/her to come.
uqaluquviuk? Do you want him/her to call you?

...or, a little more complex:

Uvannut uqaluqujunnaqpiuk?
Can you have him/her call me?