On the functions of verbal prefix <i>be- </i>in Lithuanian
This paper analyses the polysemy of the previously virtually undescribed verbal prefix be- in Lithuanian. This prefix is used in several non-trivial functions, which can be subdivided into two groups. The aspectual meanings of be- include the progressive, the continuative, and the avertive, the latter appearing only in a special periphrastic construction. This prefix also has a number of modal and quantificational functions, including the dubitative, the attenuative, and the universal, the latter being realized only in concessive conditional constructions. Morphological expression of such meanings, especially by means of a single affix, constitutes a notable typological peculiarity of Lithuanian.