ON INTERRELATION BETWEEN “KOPHAD ARS” AND “DZHER-ARS KOPHAD” TYPES OF DESCRIPTIVE FORMATION

Abstract

The connection between the categories of modality and time has been addressed in various linguistic studies based on data from different languages. Our work aims to explore the relationship between Future tense and Modal semantics in Old and Middle Georgian, using a descriptive model of future expression. In Old Georgian, the so-called categorical future forms (kophad ars, mislvad ars, etc.) conveyed, both the action to be taken in the future definitely, signifying the necessity of the action (Epistemic modality), and the obligation to perform certain actions (Deontic modality). Logically, the form that expresses deontic modal semantics can develop epistemic modal meaning, as both are rooted in certainty. Just as the commanding person is certain that the action requested by them is necessary and needs to be done definitely, in the case of epistemic necessity, the speaker is sure of the truth of different facts. To express epistemic and deontic modal semantics in Old Georgian, the construction of the modal verb “dzher-ars” was utilized in addition to the analytical model of the future (kophad ars). It should be mentioned that, in this construction, the infinitive in an adverbial case participates with the complex verb, similar to the analytical model of future expression. Scientists have expressed their opinions regarding the origin of the constructions “kophad ars” and “dzher-ars kophad”. In this article, based on the relevant discussion and examples, we reject the idea that “kophad ars” originates from the construction “dzher-ars kophad”. Instead, we assert an argumentative position that the forms “kophad ars” and “dzher-ars kophad” are two parallel independent expressions— lexical (dzher-ars kophad)  and grammatical (kophad ars)— of epistemic and deontic modal semantics.