Alternation

Definition

The causal factor is simply that the two events or states referred to are mutually exclusive: if one occurs, then the other will not. The two alternatives have equal natural prominence.

Alternation is a non-chronlogical addition type where either one or the other of the propositions applies. There is no time element, and one does not support the other, a choice must be made between the two.

Some languages achieve this by simple juxtaposition.

English examples

• Either John washed the car, or he had Jim wash it.
• Is the dog alive, or is he dead?
• Go quickly or else shut the door.
• John always plays golf or goes to football on Saturday afternoon.
• Will you go or stay?

Kovol examples

• Tagul ogo ig obo ogo ig o piyab...
  "Put it in a limbum or in a bag..."
  
• “Hume lumining ig o Ebegening ig o?
  “Will you tie it or will you hold it?"
  
• “Bili tugang ig o mu bili tugang ig?”
  “Will he make it good, or will he not make it good?”

Kovol description

Alternation in Kovol makes use of interrogative clauses juxtaposed, usually with the o particle between them.

option 1 ig o option 2 ig o.

There may be times ig or o is implicit.

Degree of confidence

Medium-High

Alternation between 2 options has been seen quite regularly in speech and there are simple examples taken from DA.