LEXICAL ASPECTUALITY IN ITALIAN AS CONCEPTUAL REPRESENTATION AND CATEGORIZATION

Abstract

In Italian, verbs are distinguished by the fact that they carry temporal, grammatical aspect, lexical aspect, and modal information. Reflections on the grammatical and lexical aspect relations of verbs can be found since ancient times. In the traditional sense, aspectual classes function as the most abstract lexical categories. In Italian, the same verb can be used with different lexic aspect depending on different meanings. Here, it is possible to determine the lexic aspectual properties of verbs according to the signs of duration, dynamism, and telicity. Scholars who have conducted systematic research on various types of lexical aspect emphasize that conceptual categories play an important role here. The analysis of Italian verbs of thought reveals interesting points in revealing signs of lexical aspects. Here the cognitive component of intentionality and emotionality can be used in such lexical aspect as inchoative, punctual, and durative senses.