C.S. Smith (1)

_The Parameter of Aspect_ is probably the the definitive work on Aspect typologically as a semantic feature of language. Smith approaches her study via the generative framework of Principles and Parameters/Government & Binding, but both her studies and it's results are relevant and applicable to any framework, particularly because of her used of Vendler's Aktionsart types for describing Situation Aspect.

Probably the greatest strength of the book is that Smith successfully and helpful avoids falling into the trap of reductionism by creating too great a division between Aspect and Aktionsart (which she terms Viewpoint Aspect & Situation Aspect Respectively), while at the same time clearly and helpfully designating how these two types of Aspect differ from each other.

All work on Aspect in any language from here on out needs to deal with C. S. Smith's work.… (meer)