O ZNAČENjU VEZNIKA „KAD(A)“ U ZAVISNOSLOŽENOJ VREMENSKOJ REČENICI

Abstract

Based on certain principles of the processing of temporal information in the framework of dynamic semantics such as Discourse Representation Theory (Kamp, Reyle 1993), in this paper, we examine the semantic role of the conjunction kad(a) (when) which introduces tem- poral clauses in Serbian. Starting from the supposed function of the temporal clause at the discourse level, we claim that the role of the conjunction kad(a) reflects its discourse function in which, together with the predicate of the subordinate clause, it contributes to updating the current reference point. Although this discourse function in dynamic semantic frameworks only characterizes events, we argue that, under certain conditions, it can also be attributed to the conjunction kad(a) when it occurs with atelic predicates in the subordinate clause. The temporal relations between the actions of the main and those of the subordinate clause essen- tially depend on the type of the main predicate. Only event predicates can update the current reference point, which produces the effect of temporal succession between the predicates in the sentence. On the other hand, with atelic predicates one expressеs simultaneity, with the possible exception of immediate posteriority, which could be explained away by pragmatic factors. After all, by definition, all this kind of predicate can do is encompass the current ref- erence point without updating it. Finally, although the use of the pluperfect in the main clause imposes the anteriority of the action it denotes, we argue that the pluperfect focuses on the resulting state which includes the reference point and produces the effect of simultaneity.