Definitions

Implications for Syntax, Semantics, and the Language of Thought

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics
Cover of the book Definitions by Annabel Cormack, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Annabel Cormack ISBN: 9781135671372
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: October 11, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Annabel Cormack
ISBN: 9781135671372
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: October 11, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The answer to the question "How can we understand and use a definition?" provides new constraints on natural language and on the internal language in which meaning is mentally represented. Most syntax takes the sentence as the basic unit for well-formedness, but definitions force us to focus on words and phrases, and hence to focus on compositional syntax in parallel with compositional semantics. This study examines both dictionary definitions and definitions from textbooks, from the points of view of their syntax, semantics, and use for learning word meaning. The tools used throughout are Principles and Parameters syntax, Relevance theoretic pragmatics, Model theoretic semantics, and the formal theory of definitions.

The analyses argue that because phrases can be understood in isolation, some standard syntactic analyses must be modified. 'NP movement' has to be reanalysed as transmission of theta roles. These ideas are then applied to a variety of adjectives which take propositional complements. The final chapter argues that for definitions to be understood, the syntax of the Language of Thought must be close to that of Natural Language in specifiable way.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The answer to the question "How can we understand and use a definition?" provides new constraints on natural language and on the internal language in which meaning is mentally represented. Most syntax takes the sentence as the basic unit for well-formedness, but definitions force us to focus on words and phrases, and hence to focus on compositional syntax in parallel with compositional semantics. This study examines both dictionary definitions and definitions from textbooks, from the points of view of their syntax, semantics, and use for learning word meaning. The tools used throughout are Principles and Parameters syntax, Relevance theoretic pragmatics, Model theoretic semantics, and the formal theory of definitions.

The analyses argue that because phrases can be understood in isolation, some standard syntactic analyses must be modified. 'NP movement' has to be reanalysed as transmission of theta roles. These ideas are then applied to a variety of adjectives which take propositional complements. The final chapter argues that for definitions to be understood, the syntax of the Language of Thought must be close to that of Natural Language in specifiable way.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Transnational Organized Crime and Jihadist Terrorism by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book The Voyage of Pedro Álvares Cabral to Brazil and India by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Attending Krishna's Image by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Jane Austen (RLE Jane Austen) by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Educational Values and Cognitive Instruction by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Power & Society Ils 50 by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Risky Pleasures? by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Collection Development Issues in the Online Environment by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book The United States and Southeast Asian Regionalism by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Professional Development of English Language Teachers in Asia by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Securitization Theory by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Real Tourism by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Women Writers of the First World War: An Annotated Bibliography by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Urban Growth and Development in Asia by Annabel Cormack
Cover of the book Handbook for Developing Supportive Learning Environments, The by Annabel Cormack
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy