[B-Greek] clarification
Con Campbell
concampbell at netspace.net.au
Tue Jan 27 14:44:58 EST 2004
In the context of this discussion, semantics refers to the uncancelable
'core' value of the form, rather than its entire range of meaning (which is
sometimes called 'semantic range' in other contexts). Pragmatics refers to
the way in which the semantic value/s is/are expressed in actual usage.
Aktionsart (also called procedural characteristics) is generally regarded as
objectively defined (how it actually occurs in time & space), though not
entirely, and aspect subjectively defined (as described by the
author/speaker), though not entirely. More importantly, however, aspect is
generally regarded as a semantic value (eg imperfective aspect), whereas
Aktionsart is a pragmatic value (eg iterative). This means that all
imperfect tense-forms will be imperfective (aspect), but only some may be
iterative (Aktionsart) depending on how the verb functions in the text. This
reflects the semantic/pragmatic distinction: imperfectivity is uncancelable;
iterativity is cancellable.
Does that help?
Con Campbell,
Canberra, Australia
-----Original Message-----
From: b-greek-bounces at lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:b-greek-bounces at lists.ibiblio.org]On Behalf Of Jody Barnard
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 1:55 AM
To: b-greek at lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [B-Greek] clarification
All this controversy concerning Porters analysis of
the verb has left me in need of some clarity
concerning crucial terminology.
Would I be right in thinking the following:
The semantics of a verb tense refers to its entire
range of meaning, which it brings to given a context?
Whereas the pragmatics refers to the contextual
modification that the verb undergoes?
Actionsart is a view of the verb that considers it an
objectively defined action? Whereas aspect considers
the verb a subjectively defined action?
Please clarify and feel free to expand.
Thank you,
Jody Barnard.
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