The Adverb

Abstract

In Batak, verbs so often have such a specific meaning that use is seldom made of adverbs — in translating these verbs, recourse must be had to an adverb or an adverbial adjunct (49). Moreover, a verb is often used to modify another verb, in which case we have to render the modifying verb with an adverb, e.g., martahi donók — having decided to be near, to be almost near; marajak guling ari — towards afternoon, almost afternoon (the sun is hurrying to set); maradu martatá (RB. p. 77, 1. 11) — to laugh on either side (rivalling each other in laughter); marsogot (52 6 b).