What dyirbal uses instead of commands

Dyirbal has verbal inflections which have been referred to as 'positive imperative' and 'negative imperative'. However, their meanings and functions extend far beyond these traditional labels. Their subjects can be first or second person singular and plural, and they can occur in questions. The 'positive imperative' refers to potentiality of something, which usually does, but may not, eventuate. It corresponds to a number of modal meanings (should, can, must and will). The negative imperative is used to suggest caution, warning about what it is inadvisable to do. It is shown how the 'potentiality' and 'caution' verbal inflections relate to the social ambiance in which they were used.