In Siye, the suffixes -te-, with the imperfective PAM suffix, and -ka-,  with the perfective PAM suffix, as well as -teka- with the irrealis PAM suffix are closely connected. The specification of aspect is critical here, because -te- with the perfective PAM suffixes is associated with a different cluster of suffixes.

The suffix –te– with the imperfective aspect indicates ‘to want to do X’. The polarity and mood can vary. Examples using the suppletive verb -yo-tu- (imperfective) -sa-tu- (perfective) ‘to hear’. -yo- witth the perfective is from the suppletive verb ‘to eat’. -sa- with the imperfective is from the suppletive verb ‘to (get) wet’ ‘to drink’.

eleyoputetuma.

eleyofutetsuma.

I want to listen to it.

eleyoputetumesum.

eleyofutetsumesung.

If I wanted to listen to it.

The suffix –ka- with the perfective aspect indicates ‘to have resolved to do/be X’.  The polarity and mood  of the suffix can vary.

elesapukatuna.

elesafukatsuna.

I have resolved to listen to it.

elesapukatune.

elesafukatsune.

If I had not resolved to listen to it.

The suffix -teka- is translated differently depending on the aspect of the verb. If the verb is irrealis, it is translated ‘I would like to X’. Certain districts, whose speakers have received a poor education, use -te- and the irrealis PAM  suffix for -teka- and the irrealis suffix, even while using -teka for the perfective!

eleyoputekatume.

eleyofutekatsume.

I would like to listen to it.

X eleyoputetume.

X eleyofutetsume.

I would like to listen to it.

X elesaputekatunneku.

X elesafutekatsunehu.

I wouldn’t have liked to listen to it.

If -teka- is paired with a realis PAM suffix, the verb should be translated, ‘must X’. Certain districts, whose speakers have received a poor education, use -wi and the perfective PAM  suffix for -teka- and the irrealis perfective suffix, even while using -teka- for the imperfective!

eleyoputekatuma.

eleyofutekatsuma.

I must listen to it.

elesaputekatunu.

elesafutekatsunu.

I did not need to listen to it.

X elesapuwitunu.

X elesafuvitsunu.

X I did not need to listen to it.