Grammatical (Viewpoint) Aspect

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For a definition of the term grammatical aspect see Grammatical Aspect (definition); For a definition of the term aspect see Aspect (definition)


Scottish Gaelic makes several semantic distinctions of viewpoint aspect, including Perfective (Aorist), Imperfective, Habitual, Stative, Perfect, After-Perfect, and Prospective. These semantic distinctions are variously instantiated in the morphosyntax.


Perfective (Aorist)

Imperfective also known as the Progressive

With a full NP object:

  • Be + subject + ag + VN +object (if definite, then genitive)
  • Tha mi ag deànamh an obair

with a pronominal object

  • Be + subject +gam/gad/ga/etc. + vn
  • tha e 'gam choinneachadh
  • He's meeting me.

Habitual

Stative

Perfect

takes Inverted Nominal Be + subject + air + (object) + (prt) + verbal noun

  • Bha mi air an obair a dheànamh

With an object pronoun: Be + subject + air +possessive pronoun + verbal noun

  • Bha mi air a dheanamh "I had done it"

Recent Perfect or After-Perfect

Prospective

uses a' dol a + infinitive

  • Bha/tha/bithidh Calum a’ dol a phòsadh
  • Màiri. be.PAST/be.PRES/be.FUT Calum PROG go.VN PRT marry.VN Màiri
  • ‘Calum was/is/will be going to marry Màiri.’

Proximate perspective

  • Tha mi gu litir a sgrìobhadh.
  • Is 1S GU letter TRAN write.VN
  • ‘I am about to write a letter.’

See Also

External Links

References

  • MacDonald, J.A. (1976) Gàidhlig Bheo, vol 3 National Extension College