Title

Variation in Tense and Aspect.

Abstract

This presentation will explore a new approach to the semantics of tense and aspect, especially the cross-linguistic variation in tense and aspect. One core tenet is to bring together semantics with morphology and syntax by paying close attention to how a given word, morpheme or construction can express multiple meanings (syncretism), and how each language chooses different pairings of meaning-sets to lexemes. Conversely, if two meanings are repeatedly grouped together into a single lexeme, that suggests that those meanings have something fundamental in common.

This angle on tense and aspect brings not only an interesting and precise morpho-syntax, but also a different way of analysing traditional notions such as progressive, generic, habitual or perfect and past. Finally, I will try to emphasise Dutch data and leave space to discuss how they fit and illuminate this area of research.

About the ACLC seminar series

The ACLC seminar series is a two weekly lecture series organized by the ACLC, the Amsterdam Center for Language and Communication.