The origin of -<i>ngua</i> (future) in lka

Abstract

The morpheme -ngua (future) in Ika, a Chibchan language of Colombia, developed from an independent verb to a modal suffix. lt may be related historically to the verb 'to think' in neighboring Kogi and Damana. For older speakers, it shows both verbal and suffixial characteristics. lt takes object prefixes, as do the ergative impersonal verbs, and fits into the verb phrase in a position and following a pattern that one would expect for a verb that takes a purpose complement. For younger speakers it has been reinterpreted simply as a future suffix and fits paradigmatically into the c1ass of modal suffixes.