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Overview"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." Full Product DetailsAuthor: Annabel CormackPublisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd Imprint: Routledge Dimensions: Width: 13.80cm , Height: 2.00cm , Length: 21.60cm Weight: 0.430kg ISBN: 9781138868373ISBN 10: 113886837 Pages: 362 Publication Date: 21 May 2015 Audience: College/higher education , General/trade , Tertiary & Higher Education , General Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In Print  This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us. Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1 Theoretical Preliminaries Introduction A little simple syntax Reelevance theory The 'language of thought' hypothesis Model theoretic semantics The formal interpretation of defintions 2 Dictionary Definitions Introduction Simple nouns Simple adjectives Elimination of simple nouns and adjectives Dictionary definitions-elimination and complements Problem definitions 3 Text Definitions Introduction Characteristics of text definitions Interpretation of simple definitions Complex definitions with 'if' or 'when' NotesReviewsCormack's thesis is overall a remarkably finished piece of work... A reader...will find Cormack's theis methodologically innovative, theoretically interesting, and intellectually challenging. -- Heidi Harley,Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona Author InformationAnnabel Cormack Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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