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Tense-Aspect-Modality in a Second Language: Contemporary perspectives
Edited by Martin Howard and Pascale Leclercq
[Studies in Bilingualism 50] 2017
► pp. 53–73

Chapter 2
The grammatical representation of aspect

Context-focused analysis of decontextualized prompt sentences

| Rice University

The construct of aspect spans a broad range of meanings, starting with the very basic description of temporality conveyed by the predicate alone (lexical aspect) to the maximum descriptive level of representation of temporality conveyed by discourse structures (narrativity) and pragmatics in general (viewpoint aspect). Given this multifaceted definition of aspect, it is important to assess whether the investigation of the second language acquisition of aspect takes into account such a complex construct. For instance, it is possible that – as they develop their knowledge of the target language – L2 learners gradually incorporate specific semantic, discursive and pragmatic information to their selection of morphological markings. As the range of information relevant to making use of aspectual distinctions expands, learners must reconcile possible contradicting pieces of information provided by the various complementary contextual levels of information. This chapter will describe the consequence of selecting specific ranges of meanings associated with a contextualized definition of aspect.

Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.The original claim of Coppieters (1987)
    • 2.1The methodological approach of Coppieters’ study
    • 2.2The non-consequential effect of Coppieters’ findings
  • 3.How complex is the definition of aspect?
    • 3.1The effect of aspectual meanings beyond the theoretical construct of aspect
    • 3.2The broad representation of the theoretical construct Aspect
  • 4.Non-prototypical challenges brought up by context
    • 4.1Perfective as default for basic tense meanings
    • 4.2Imperfective as default for inanimate / non-agentive subjects
  • 5.Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 15 February 2017
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/sibil.50.03sal
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