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Adjectives & Adverbs

Descriptive words with ma-, reduplication for degree, adverbs of manner and frequency
Scalar implicature in Tagalog adjectives
pragmatic strengthening of degree terms
varies
Mabait = kind implicates not very kind; context raises or lowers scalar bar
Degree modification: lubhang, totoong
extremely, truly as formal/literary degree words
loob-hahng, toh-toh-ong
Lubhang mahalaga = extremely important (formal register only)
Grammaticalization of adjectives to discourse markers
some adjectives developing particle-like discourse functions
varies
Ayos na = OK/fixed; ayos shifts from adjective to discourse particle of acceptance
Adverb phrase structure in complex sentences
complex adverb phrases with multiple modifiers
varies
Nang dahan-dahan at maingat = slowly and carefully (complex manner adverb)
Register-specific adjective vocabulary
formal vs. colloquial adjective choices
varies
Magara (elegant/formal) vs. maganda (beautiful/everyday) -- register distinction
Reduplication typology: full vs. partial
semantic functions of different reduplication types
varies
CV- = aspect; full reduplication = intensity, plurality, or distribution
Interface of lexical and grammatical aspect
interaction of Aktionsart and grammatical aspect morphology
varies
Stative verbs resist incomplete aspect; achievements resist ongoing activity reading
Comparative constructions: typological perspective
Tagalog comparison vs. other language types
varies
Mas...kaysa sa is particle-based; no morphological comparative inflection
Evaluative vs. descriptive adjective uses
same adjective form serves different pragmatic functions
varies
Maganda used descriptively (objectively beautiful) or evaluatively (I find it nice)
Abstract noun formation productivity
how productive is ka-...-an nominalization?
varies
Ka-...-an is highly productive but some roots resist nominalization