A Study of Aspect Correspondences Between Latvian and Finnish

Abstract

The category of aspect is always regarded as one of the most problematic verbal categories in Latvian and other languages. Aspect has been connected with different treatments of manifestation and semantics both by synchronic and diachronic approaches of investigation. A study of aspect correspondences between Latvian and Finnish requires more attention in the Baltic and Finno-Ugric linguistics. In this paper only preliminary observations are made. Albeit the manifestation of the aspect differs in both languages, it indicates some interesting synchronic and diachronic parallels. Aspect in Latvian is always connected with the verb’s prefixation and tense forms, and in some cases with the particular constructions with adverbs as complements. The aspectual meaning in Finnish manifests itself as a result of verbal valency and discourse semantics. The use of the constructions verb + adverb (particle) is observed as well. These constructions, which are similar formally and functionally in Latvian and Finnish, are the main link between aspect in both languages.