Synopsis
A Kandinsky abstract seems appropriate on the cover of a text introducing modern semantics, as it interfaces with its mother discipline of linguistics, and the fields of psychology and philosophy (regarding meaning, thought, and reality). Saaed (U. of Dublin) frames topics in the description of word and sentence meaning (e.g. context, inference, and speech as action). He further reviews the three major theoretical approaches to semantics: componential theory, formal, and cognitive semantics. Exercises, suggestions for further reading, and a list of abbreviations and symbols should be useful to students. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
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Book Description
This book provides an engaging introduction to semantics for students new to the field. It covers the basic concepts and methods of the field and discusses some of the most important contemporary lines of research. Semantics is divided into three parts: the first establishes the place of semantics within linguistics and its relationship to other disciplines. The second introduces key topics in the description of word and sentence meaning. The final part reviews the three main current theoretical approaches to semantics: componential theory, formal semantics, and cognitive semantics. Each chapter contains exercises that familiarize the student with the practice of semantic description. The second edition of this classic work is a complete revision that updates and extends the discussion of theories and is a vital resource for students of semantics.
From the Back Cover
This book provides an engaging and accessible introduction to semantics for students new to the field. It covers basic concepts and methods and discusses some of the most important contemporary lines of research. The third edition has been completely revised and updated, and now includes:
- New sections on classifiers and noun classes, as well as conceptual integration
- An extended discussion of theory
- Additional examples throughout in order to familiarize the student with the practice of semantic description
- Increased numbers of chapter exercises, now with solutions to selected exercises
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