Meaning in Language An Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics

by Cruse, D. Alan

• ISBN13: 9780198700104
• ISBN10: 0198700105
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-03-30
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the ways in which meaning is conveyed in language. It covers topics normally considered to fall under pragmatics, as well as semantic matters. The author seeks, above all, to display and to explain the richness and subtlety of meaning, and tothat end provides abundant exemplification throughout the text. Numerous exercises (and suggested answers) are provided at every stage. The book is not bound to any particular theory, but provides explanations of theoretical approaches and perspectives as the context requires. The author stresses the need for conceptual clarity in all analyses of meaning. Meaning in Language is readable and vigorous, written with style and wit. It will be widely welcomed by students in linguistics, philosophy, and literature.

Author Biography

Alan Cruse is Senior Lecturer in Linguistics at Manchester University.

Table of Contents

Typographic conventions	ix
Preface	x
Part 1 Fundamental Notions	1	(82)
Introduction	3	(14)
Logical matters	17	(24)
Types and dimensions of meaning	41	(24)
Compositionality	65	(18)
Part 2 Words and their Meanings	83	(180)
Introduction to lexical semantics	85	(18)
Contextual variability of word meaning	103	(22)
Word meanings and concepts	125	(18)
Paradigmatic sense relations of inclusion and identity	143	(20)
Paradigmatic relations of exclusion and opposition	163	(14)
Word fields	177	(20)
Extensions of meaning	197	(20)
Syntagmatic relations	217	(20)
Lexical decomposition	237	(26)
Part 3 Semantics and Grammar	263	(38)
Grammatical semantics	265	(36)
Part 4: Pragmatics	301	(78)
Reference and deixis	303	(26)
Speech acts	329	(18)
Implicatures	347	(32)
Conclusion	379	(4)
Answers to questions	383	(18)
References	401	(8)
Index	409