Relative tense and aspectual values in Tibetan languages

A Comparative Study

Auteurs

• Bettina Zeisler

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• Pages: 1011 pages
• Temps de lecture: 36 heures

• Dictionnaires et manuels de langue
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• Trends in linguistics : [...], Studies and monographs

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This study employs a comparative approach to develop a universal theory of TENSE, ASPECT, and MOOD, utilizing methods from comparative and historical linguistics, fieldwork, text linguistics, and philology. It explores the concepts of TENSE, ASPECT, and MOOD, focusing on the Tibetan system of RELATIVE TENSE and aspectual values across various Tibetan dialects, including Old and Classical Tibetan, “Lhasa” Tibetan, and East Tibetan (Amdo and Kham), as well as West Tibetan (Ladakhi, Purik, Balti). The work examines the similarities and differences in temporal and aspectual concepts, challenging the notion that ASPECT is a linguistic universal. It introduces the concept of FRAMING to explain aspect-like conceptualizations in languages such as English and questions the universality of RELATIVE TENSE or taxis. Notably, West Tibetan is highlighted for its complete grammaticalization of ABSOLUTE TENSE. The study compares West Tibetan diachronically with Old and Classical Tibetan and synchronically with contemporary varieties, detailing the grammaticalized forms based on discourse usage. It reveals that the primary function of the Tibetan verbal system is RELATIVE TENSE, with secondary aspectual functions in specific contexts. The pragmatic use of present tense constructions in Tibetan is analyzed, leading to a typology of narrative conventions. The final section offers insights for reconstructing the Proto-Tibetan verb system.

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• Année de publication: 2004
• Reliure: (rigide)