Lexical and aspectual functions of the prefix za- in the Povest’ vremennych let Funzioni lessicali e aspettuali del preverbo za- nella Povest’ vremennych let

This paper examines the forms of the za- prefixed verbs in the Old Russian text Povest’ vremennych let (11th-12th centuries). The study shows how this prefix, like other prefixes in Old Russian, has both lexical and aspectual functions, and that there is considerable interaction between the semantics of the prefix and the meaning of the unprefixed verb. Some groups of verbal forms can be found in which the prefix fulfils specific meanings. This analysis allows the detection of some “embryonic” forms of the lexical meanings and aspectual functions expressed in the modern Russian by the za- prefixed verbs in one of the oldest East Slavic texts. This is clearly of interest when delineating the semantic evolution of this prefix and its aspectual function in a diachronic perspective. This paper examines the forms of the za- prefixed verbs in the Old Russian text Povest’ vremennych let (11th-12th centuries). The study shows how this prefix, like other prefixes in Old Russian, has both lexical and aspectual functions, and that there is considerable interaction between the semantics of the prefix and the meaning of the unprefixed verb. Some groups of verbal forms can be found in which the prefix fulfils specific meanings. This analysis allows the detection of some “embryonic” forms of the lexical meanings and aspectual functions expressed in the modern Russian by the za- prefixed verbs in one of the oldest East Slavic texts. This is clearly of interest when delineating the semantic evolution of this prefix and its aspectual function in a diachronic perspective.