Introducing Semantics

Nick Riemer

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511808883

Semantics is the study of meaning in language. This clear and comprehensive textbook provides an introduction to the subject for undergraduate students. It not only equips students with the concepts they need in order to understand the main aspects of semantics, it also introduces the styles of reasoning and argument which characterise the field. It contains more than 200 exercises and discussion questions designed to test and deepen readers' understanding. More inclusive than other textbooks, it clearly explains and contrasts different theoretical approaches, summarises current debates, and provides helpful suggestions for further reading. Examples are drawn both from major world languages, such as Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Spanish and English, and from minority ones. The book also highlights the connections between semantics and the wider study of human language in psychology, anthropology, and linguistics itself.

‘… an impressively wide - and relatively theory neutral - introduction to the field, whilst maintaining interest and clarity throughout. It is particularly strong in its use of cross-linguistic data from a wide variety of languages, which should appeal to those studying linguistics. Undergraduates will find it accessible and engaging, but there is also sufficient content to challenge more advanced students.’

Bethan Davies - University of Leeds

'… an excellent introductory textbook for the instruction of meaning in language, presenting complex concepts in a clear but detailed fashion. It remains remarkably neutral without sacrificing rigor, and will be an extremely useful teaching tool given the correct setting.'

Source: The Linguist List

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Introducing Semantics

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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-vi

Contents
pp vii-xii

Note to the reader
pp xiii-xvi

1 - Meaning in the empirical study of language
pp 1-44

2 - Meaning and definition
pp 45-86

3 - The scope of meaning I: external context
pp 87-106

4 - The scope of meaning II: interpersonal context
pp 107-134

5 - Analysing and distinguishing meanings
pp 135-172

6 - Logic as a representation of meaning
pp 173-222

7 - Meaning and cognition I: categorization and cognitive semantics
pp 223-260

8 - Meaning and cognition II: formalizing and simulating conceptual representations
pp 261-286

9 - Meaning and morphosyntax I: the semantics of grammatical categories
pp 287-334

10 - Meaning and morphosyntax II: verb meaning and argument structure
pp 335-368

11 - Semantic variation and change
pp 369-422

Glossary
pp 423-434

References
pp 435-450

Index
pp 451-460

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Introducing Semantics

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