This module is intended to provide a basic introduction to formal semantics, a key component of modern linguistics. We assume no prior knowledge of semantics in this module, and no prior understanding of logic. In the early weeks we will spend time working on examples and exercises in class to provide some basic introduction to the use of logic in the analysis of natural language semantics. We will then examine a range of core topics concerning word and sentence meaning in contemporary semantics, with the focus on understanding what the issues are. Topics will include propositional and predicate logic, basic notions of predicate and modifier and of compositional meaning, the semantics of different types of noun phrases and natural language quantifiers. Other possible topics could include some of generalized quantifier theory, anaphora, tense and aspect and modality.
Learning outcomes: By the end of this module you will:
*be familiar with what constitutes the domain of semantics, and how it relates to other sub-fields of linguistics.
*have developed some understanding of the role of logics as tools in describing and analysing natural language semantics and some facility with using this tools.
*have been introduced to, and reflected upon, a number of key topics in semantics.
Learning outcomes: By the end of this module you will:
*be familiar with what constitutes the domain of semantics, and how it relates to other sub-fields of linguistics.
*have developed some understanding of the role of logics as tools in describing and analysing natural language semantics and some facility with using this tools.
*have been introduced to, and reflected upon, a number of key topics in semantics.
- Module Supervisor: Kyle Jerro
- Module Supervisor: Louisa Sadler