Infix

MEANING

Characteristic of the remote past imperfect (affirmation or negative).

Example of use

1.     Ilyo naikeele ku mushi naleetemwa sana, MEANING: When I was living in the village, I was well contented.

2.     Kale tatwaleelima kalundwe muno calo, MEANING: Formerly we did not cultivate cassava in this country

 

The final vowel of alee is invariable.

Example of use

Ilyotwali ku Lwitikila, twaleela isabi,MEANING: When we were at Lwitikila, we caught fish.

The initial vowel follows the general rule of contraction.

Example of use

Kale baaleeimba nyimbo sha cila, MEANING: Formerly they sang dance songs.