On a Paradox Revealed by Yu. S. Maslov

Abstract

Yu. S. Maslov attracted researchers’ attention to the paradox related to the verbs like prygnut’ (jump). These verbs are perceived as instantaneous, punctual and at the same time they go together with the word medlenno (slowly). The author shows that the evidence of linguistic intuition can be reconciled with language data by introducing the seme ‘process of non-standard (short) duration’ and accepting the idea that perfectivity is able to conceal the most essential feature of a process, namely its duration. The suggested solution is intrinsically tied to the necessity to differentiate between homonymous imperfectives like prygat’1 and prygat’2. One of them is characterized by the seme ‘process of standard duration’, whereas the other has the seme ‘process of non-standard (short) duration’. The author substantiates her perspective with both linguistic evidence and thorough analysis of the literature on the issue. Refs 44. Figs 3.