Semantics of TOKI Constructions : concerning time relationships when two events are expressed in TOKI constructions

Abstract

This work is concerned with explicating the semantics of constructions which involve the temporal connective TOKI. It attempts to clarify the time relationships between subordinate and main clauses linked by this connective, in the light of an examination of the aspectual properties of propositions. 1. The main concerns of this study are as follows: A consideration of the . various factors which are relevant in determining the aspect of a clause. It will be argued that the aspectual properties of the subordinate clause proposition as a whole, and not of the verb alone, is relevant in determining the time relationships between the subordinate and main clauses in a complex sentence. 2. A consideration of TOKI constructions: the conditions under which TOKI clauses are grammatically realized, and the time relationships which are designated . in TOKI constructions.