18. The Optative Paradigm
The optative paradigm is formed by prefixing an
element ho- to the subject pronouns of the conjunct form of the
imperfective.
| Person |
Chiricahua |
Mescalero |
| Sg. 1 |
hósh- |
hósh- |
| Sg. 2 |
hóó- |
hóͅóͅ- |
| Sg. 3 |
hó- |
hó- |
| Sg. 3a |
jó- |
ch'ó- |
| Place |
gó- |
gó- |
| Indef. |
'ó- |
'ó- |
| Du. 1 |
hoo[d]- |
h oͅoͅ [d]- |
| Du. 2 |
haah- |
haah- |
This paradigm is employed in forming the optative
mode of active and passive verbs. Examples: nooká 'would that we go', haͅhooká 'would that we go quickly', godóya' 'would that it begin'.
