Negation, questions, and pragmatic choice
Interpret aspect under negation and in questions without applying a mechanical reversal.
Не читал can deny an activity or experience; не прочитал often denies attainment of a bounded reading event. Questions can target fact/activity or a concrete result.
- Negation does not erase aspect.
- Imperfective questions often ask whether an activity/fact occurred.
- Perfective questions often target a specific bounded event.
Mini-check