Journal | Balcania et Slavia
Journal issue | 3 | 1 | 2023
Research Article | L’imperfetto resiano fra tempo, aspetto e modo
Abstract
The present paper gives a description of the forms and functions of the imperfect in Resian, a Slovene-based micro-language spoken in northern Italy, which has been in a situation of language contact with Romance varieties for centuries. The comparison between the imperfects found in the oldest documents (eighteenth and nineteenth century) and those used in modern Resian shows a significant shift of its functions. The imperfect, in fact, has lost its original aspect-temporal values, now expressing mainly counterfactuality and the future in the past. Our analysis includes a discussion on the possible role of foreign influence in these developments.
Submitted: Dec. 2, 2022 | Accepted: May 3, 2023 | Published Sept. 14, 2023 | Language: it
Keywords Tense • Language contact • Aspect • Mood • Resian • Imperfect
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Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/BES/2785-3187/2023/01/004