Rethinking Tense: A Radically-Semantic or Radically-Pragmatic Perspective?
Rethinking Tense: A Radically-Semantic or Radically-Pragmatic Perspective?

Summary/Abstract: This paper considers the nature of tense meaning. Section 1 sets the scene by introducing the traditional approach to tense (and aspect) that is advocated in the semiotic model of communication as exemplified in some renowned grammar books and in two influential, semantically-couched, proposals (Reichenbach’s tense system and Vendler’s situation types). Sections 2 and 3 present and discuss two alternatives to the traditional approach: the Natural Semantic Metalanguage, a radically-semantic approach, and Relevance Theory, a radically-pragmatic approach. The two contemporary theoretic frameworks are employed to show how the time-tense(-aspect) information may be approached and analysed in order to gain a fuller insight for both theoretic and applied purposes. Section 4 ends on the author’s note on the relevance of her exposition.

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