Datapoint Ambon Malay/Present reference of stative verbs and past perfective reference of dynamic verbs

Unless an aspect marker or time adverb occurs, the temporal reference of unmarked dynamic verbs depends on the context. If there is little or no context, multiple interpretations are possible. An unmarked stative verb is generally interpreted to refer to the present time.

Values

Stative verbs with present reference and dynamic verbs with past perfective reference are both unmarked

Example 68-58:
Dong su makang deng balong galap lai.
Dong
3pl
su
pfv
makang
eat
deng
and
balong
not.yet
galap
dark
lai.
also
They have eaten and it is not dark yet.

Source: van Minde 1997: 229

Example 68-62:
De makang.
De
3sg
makang.
eat
S/he eats/ate/has eaten/had eaten, etc.

Source: van Minde 1997: 228

Example 68-63:
De basar.
De
3sg
basar.
big
S/he is big.
Example 68-119:
De mau de pung ana pulang.
De
3sg
mau
want
de
3sg
pung
poss
ana
child
pulang.
go.home
She wants her son to go home.
Confidence:
Very certain