The study of meaning in language has developed dramatically over the last fifty years. Semantics is distinctive as it not only presents a general introduction to the topic, including the most recent developments, but it also provides a unique perspective for addressing current issues. It opens by introducing readers to the study of logic (natural deduction) as the background against which developments have taken place. This demonstrates the link between semantics and the study of reasoning and how this view can provide new solutions to the puzzles that have plagued the approaches presented in other textbooks. The major subject areas of semantics are discussed, including quantification, anaphora and discourse, tense and aspect, ellipsis and context, and word meaning. The book also presents state-of-the-art research in topics at the forefront of semantics.

Presents a general introduction to semantics , including the most recent developments.

About the Author
Ronnie Cann is a Reader in the Department of Linguistics and English Language at the University of Edinburgh. Ruth Kempson is a Professor of Linguistics in the Department of Philosophy at King's College London. Eleni Gregoromichelaki is a Research Associate in the Department of Philosophy at King's College London.

Reviews
'... an excellent introduction to natural language semantics.' Klaus von Heusinger, Universitat Stuttgart, Germany



Book Information
ISBN 9780521819626
Author Ronnie Cann
Format Hardback
Page Count 306
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 760g
Dimensions(mm) 255mm * 180mm * 20mm