Verbal system

The Tamahaq verbal system is very complex and very different from the English system. Different grammar books give the tenses /aspects different names. I have attempted to simplify the explanation as an aid to the language learner.

The concept of aspects

Tamahaq verbs are not particularly time orientated, unlike English or German verbs where time is the main frame of reference for choice of tense. Tamahaq has verbal aspects rather than tenses. The difference between the imperfect and the perfect aspect is much more important. In choosing the aspect to use, it is the quality of the action rather than the time that occurred that is important.

Generally, it is the context, or supporting words that give the time reference.

The primary distinction is between viewed as completed (perfective) aspect and those considered ongoing (imperfective or cursive aspect).

Examples:

PERFECTIVE ASPECT:

Amis iswâ aman - The dromedary drinks water.  (single action)

In this case the dromedary drinks water at the moment or it already drank water. The perfective aspect refers to actions considered as complete regardless of time reference. This aspect most frequently defines a single action. The time can be specified by adding eg. yesterday (End Ahel) or now (Dimar).

CURSIVE ASPECT:

Amis isass aman - The dromedary drinks water. (ongoing action)

In this case the speaker expresses the habit of the dromedary means that a dromedary usually drinks water. The cursive aspect (intensive imperfect) refers to ongoing actions (I am drinking / I am learning)  and often to habitual actions. The imperfect signifies movement and development but also repetition (habitual action).

IMPERATIVE
Tamahaq Verbs are classified in dictionaries etc. using their imperative singular because this is the simplest form, having no affixes at all. The imperative mood is used to express commands.

CONJUGATION

EXAMPLE

äls - wear 

PERFECTIVE ASPECT:
Ilsâ Tagulmust       He wears a turban        (single action)

CURSIVE ASPECT:
Ilass Tagulmust       He wears a turban      (usually / ongoing action)

Remarks

This is only a simple overview about the verbal system of Tamahaq and I used  sentences from
David Sudlow (2001: The Tamasheq of North-East Burkina Faso: Notes on Grammar and Syntax including a Key Vocabulary, Köln: Rüdiger Köppe Verlag)
and
Tuareg Elementary Course (Tahaggart) von Karl-G. Prasse (2010: Köln: Rüdiger Köppe Verlag)
for the explanationes. If you are interested in a more detailled introduction to the verbal system, I can recommend both book very much.

LIST of verbs: