What is Meaning? Fundamentals of Formal Semantics is a concise introduction to the field of semantics as it is actually practiced. Through simple examples, pictures, and metaphors, Paul Portner presents the field’s key ideas about how language works.
Explains the fundamental ideas and some of the most significant results of modern semantic theory
Combines foundational discussion with simplified analyses of complex phenomena to provide readers with a sense of the fascination to be found in the details of the human language
Includes exercises and thought-provoking questions to facilitate learning
About the Author
Paul H. Portner is Associate Professor of Linguistics and Director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Cognitive Science at Georgetown University. He is co-editor of Formal Semantics: The Essential Readings (with Barbara H. Partee, Blackwell, 2002) as well as the author of numerous articles on topics such as mood and modality, tense and aspect, and the syntax/semantics interface.
Features
explains the fundamental ideas and some of the most significant results of modern semantic theory
utilizes an intuitive and engaging style to present the field’s key ideas about how language works through unambiguous examples, pictures, and metaphor
combines foundational discussion with simplified analyses of complex phenomena to provide readers with a sense of the fascination to be found in the details of the human language
includes exercises and thought-provoking questions to facilitate learning
