Tensema

Tensema is a term used in linguistic theory to denote the smallest unit of semantic information encoding temporal reference within a sentence. The word is sometimes presented as the semantic counterpart to grammatical tense and is conceptually related to sememes—the minimal units of meaning in semantic theory. In frameworks that separate form from meaning, a tensema may be positioned as a feature value or as a small linguistic unit that combines with other semantic parts of a clause to specify time of an event.

Definition and scope: A tensema typically encodes three primary values: past, present, and future, though some theories allow finer granularity (e.g., remote versus immediate present). Tensemas can be realized synthetically via morphology, periphrastically via auxiliary constructions, or less overtly via context. Tensemas interact with aspect, mood, and evidentiality within a sentence’s semantic structure.

Theoretical context: The idea of a tensema has often appeared in discussions about feature-value systems and semantic decomposition of tense, including contrasts with aspect and mood. It is not widely standardized and is largely encountered in specialized or historical discussions rather than as a mainstream analytic category.

Criticism and status: Because tense and aspect often suffice to describe temporal reference in many languages, the use of tensema is debated. Critics argue that it adds a layer of abstraction without clear empirical advantage; proponents note that it can clarify cross-linguistic patterns in temporal semantics.

See also: tense, sememe, semantic feature, aspect, mood.