Cross-linguistic distribution of tense-aspect categories

This data table provides some basic information on the expression of tense and grammatical/viewpoint aspect in a genealogically balanced, worldwide sample of 180 languages. For each language, descriptive grammars were consulted as the main data source. The respective references are provided in the table. 

As far known, this table represents the most recent and, in terms of the number of languages covered, most extensive cross-linguistic overview of basic tense-aspect expressions to date. It is a helpful tool for all researchers who are interested in the cross-linguistic frequency of (some basic) tense-aspect distinctions, their areal distribution, and the correlations between them. Other possible uses include the quick identification of languages with a specific tense-aspect profile which is of particular interest to the researcher.

The parameters for which information is provided are: possibility and obligatoriness of perfective/imperfective marking, possibility and obligatoriness of tense marking, number and type of tense distinctions, presence and type of temporal remoteness distinctions, and ways for marking present habituality. More information can be found in the attached key.