ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

Contextual explanation · NAV-G02-042

Event

This explanation addresses the term in its originating context. It is not an additional canonical Atlas profile.

Explanation

Event here means a linguistically described occurrence serving as a unit of semantic analysis. A description selects relevant participants and a course of action. For telicity, the question is whether the description contains an inherent endpoint: reading and reading a letter to completion structure an occurrence differently. An event must therefore not be equated with an isolated verb; complements contribute to interpretation. A projected endpoint, duration and actual attainment of that endpoint also need separate treatment. A goal-directed activity may begin without reaching completion.

Movement of thought

1. Consider the whole event description. 2. Identify participants and course. 3. Identify a possible endpoint. 4. Separate duration, viewpoint and actual completion.

Example

“Mira was writing a letter when the light went out.” In this constructed example, a completed letter supplies a goal, but completion is not asserted.

Counter-test

A lengthy action may have an endpoint; a brief occurrence need not be described telically.

Scientific use case

A semantic analysis could vary verb, object and aspect form systematically and compare the resulting completion commitments.

Effect

The distinction prevents goal structure from being confused with observed success.

Resonance

An occurrence can tend towards an ending without reaching it in the narrated world.

Distinction

Distinguish a time point, duration, grammatical aspect and an actually completed occurrence. Telicity belongs to event description within the chosen framework.

Sources