Formalization of ukrainian verbs with NOOJ

a pedagogical application to the learning of aspectual pairs

Abstract

The verbal system occupies a central role in the Ukrainian language. It is characterized by its morphological richness and by a distinctive feature shared with other Slavic languages: the opposition between perfective and imperfective aspects. This aspectual distinction enables the precise expression of temporality and the degree of completion of actions. A thorough understanding of these features is essential for grasping the subtleties of the language and developing a solid command of its grammar, posing a significant challenge for non-native learners. In this context, the present article aims to formalize the structure of Ukrainian verbs using the NooJ linguistic platform. We begin by outlining the primary morphosyntactic characteristics of Ukrainian verbs, with particular focus on the mechanisms involved in forming aspectual pairs. We then examine how these phenomena are represented through inflectional (FLX) and derivational (DRV) paradigms within NooJ's Ukrainian module. Finally, we propose a practical pedagogical application of this modeling, demonstrating how it can support the teaching of Ukrainian as a foreign language – specifically by helping students to identify, analyze, and master aspectual oppositions through guided learning activities.