Concerning the compounded verbs, it is to be observed, that, whereas their auxiliary verbs are but few, they make use of several particles to supply their place, which are annexed to the simple verbs, and so make them compounded verbs, yet these particles by themselves are not used, nor of any signification. And by this connection or composition the simple verbs change their conjugation. As for example,
First, in this expression, they used to do so and so, the composition is formed thus; of the simple verb Erminpok, he washes himself, in the composition is made Ermingarace, he uses to wash himself. Kieavok, he weeps; Kieeillarau, he uses to weep; Aularpok, he goes from home; Aulararau, he uses to go from home.
Second, when the expression runs thus, he comes to do this or that, it is turned in this manner. Ermigiartorpok, he comes to wash himself; Aglegiartorpok, he comes to write. And so in all other compositions.
But there are not only verbs compounded with one, but sometimes with two, three, or more particles joined to the verb, when there is a longer sentence to be expressed. And for this reason, the words and particles undergo a great many changes and variations, inasmuch as they retain but certain radical letters, the rest either being thrown away and quite lost, or else changed for others. As for instance, Aulisariartorasuarpok, he made haste to go out a fishing. Here three verbs are joined together in one. Aulisarpok, he fishes; Peartorpok, to go about something; and Pinnesuarpok, to make haste. Again, Aglekkinniarit, endeavour to write better. Here we have another threefold composition. First, Aglekpok, he writes; then Pekipok, to mend, or do better, and at last Pinniarpok, to endeavour. From whence comes the verb Aglikkinniarpok, he endeavours to write better; in the imperative mood, Aglekkinniarit, as above.
The Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer, translated into the Greenland Language.
ARTICLE I.
Operpunga Gud-mun Attatavnut, ajuakangitsomut, killagmik nunamiglo sennarsomut.
ARTICLE II.
Operpunga Jesus Christusmut, Ernetuanut, Nallegautimut, Annersamit helligmit pirsok, Niviarsamit Mariamit erniursok; anniartok Pontius Pilatus-mit; Isektitaursok, tokkorsok, illirsorto, allernum akkartok. Ullut pingajuane tokkorsonit makitok; Killangmut Kollartok; Angume Gub tellerpiet tungane ipsiarsok; tersanga amma tikiytsomaryok, umarsullo tokongarsullo auiksartitsartorlugit.