Dynamics of Meaning: Anaphora, Presupposition, and the Theory of GrammarIn The Dynamics of Meaning, Gennaro Chierchia tackles central issues in dynamic semantics and extends the general framework. Chapter 1 introduces the notion of dynamic semantics and discusses in detail the phenomena that have been used to motivate it, such as "donkey" sentences and adverbs of quantification. The second chapter explores in greater depth the interpretation of indefinites and issues related to presuppositions of uniqueness and the "E-type strategy." In Chapter 3, Chierchia extends the dynamic approach to the domain of syntactic theory, considering a range of empirical problems that includes backwards anaphora, reconstruction effects, and weak crossover. The final chapter develops the formal system of dynamic semantics to deal with central issues of definites and presupposition. Chierchia shows that an approach based on a principled enrichment of the mechanisms dealing with meaning is to be preferred on empirical grounds over approaches that depend on an enrichment of the syntactic apparatus. Dynamics of Meaning illustrates how seemingly abstract stances on the nature of meaning can have significant and far-reaching linguistic consequences, leading to the detection of new facts and influencing our understanding of the syntax/semantics/pragmatics interface. |
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Dynamics of Meaning: Anaphora, Presupposition, and the Theory of Grammar Gennaro Chierchia No preview available - 1995 |
Common terms and phrases
ˇP(b accessible accommodation adjunct adverb of quantification analysis anaphoric link antecedent approach argument assignments assume assumptions beat(x,y binder c-command CCPs chapter Chierchia classical DRT coindexed conjunction Consider construal context change potentials defined definites determiners discourse markers Discourse Representation Theory discussed domain donkey anaphora donkey beats donkey sentences donkey(y Dynamic Binding E-type pronouns E-type strategy example Existential Closure existentially quantified fact formula free variables has(x,y Heim Hence if-clause if/when-clauses indefinites interpretation John Linguistics main clause man(x meaning meows modal negation noun operator painter Pavarotti predicate present presuppositions Principle Principles and Parameters pronoun properties proposition Q-adverb quantificational force quantified NPs reading reconstruction relation relevant restriction right-adjoined S₁ Sat(f scope semantics static structure student syntactic t₁ tion topic truth conditions ungrammaticality universal quantifier update function usually V-readings wh-movement when-clause