The grammaticalization of ‘big’ situations

Assuming that syntax and morphology constraints can target ‘situation size’ in semantics, this paper argues for the necessity of constraints on ‘big’ situations, and for their grammaticalization. Data from Bulgarian indicate that complex (viewpoint) aspectual interactions between Perfective verbs in the Imperfect Tense in adjunct/restrictor clauses and verbs in the Imperfect Tense in main/nuclear scope clauses trigger habitual interpretations. Such interactions result in propositions that can only be true in ‘big’ situations, informally described as ‘non-accidental generalizations on repeated actions that are complete’. Furthermore, a morphological contrast between Perfective Imperfects and Perfective Aorists in adverbial adjunct clauses accounts for restrictions on the modal interpretations of imperfective aspect associated with a Viewpoint operator IMPF, and distinguishes between ongoing and habitual readings.