L in Arawak generally indicates the principle of “loose”, “willing (and able) to move”, whilst r on the contrary indicates the principle of “fixed”, “unable to move”, “motion being impeded”.

G. Arawak has an l, an r, and two intermediate consonants; for the consonant most closely resembling l, the sign λ is used; for the consonant most closely resembling r, the sign ϱ is used. It is possible that on further examination no real difference will be found between λ and ϱ.

L and r are used in places where the difference is of importance, for instance -loko, in (free), -roko, in (bound), kalime, shining, karime, black. It is, however, not clear, why they say pero, dog, and kaϱina. fowl, báϱa, sea.

In a few cases a word in a vocabulary contains an l where an r might be expected, and vice versa; presumably these are simple mistakes resulting from indistinct pronunciation.

Te added to a verbal form, denotes “limited motion”: t motion towards an object, e slowing down.

Li added to a verbal form, denotes “freely flowing forth”; l loose, i principle or quick).

Examples, with ausa, to go, or really “to form a void” (§ 130 b)).

a) ma-heragi-n bena na-muni kwawa ie, n-ausa kiana, and when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, h-ausa ho-kona mairia-tu isikwa-hu mun i-ro, go into the village over against you.