What is Meaning?: Fundamentals of Formal Semantics (Fundamentals of Linguistics Book 2)

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 theoryCombines 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 languageIncludes exercises and thought-provoking questions to facilitate learning What Is Meaning? Fundamentals Of Formal Semantics Is A Concise Introduction To The Field Of Semantics As It Is Actually Practiced. The Book Explains The Fundamental Ideas And Some Of The Most Significant Results Of Modern Semantic Theory In An Intuitive, Engaging Manner Without Relying On Formalization Or Getting Bogged Down In Technical Skills. Through Simple Examples, Pictures, And Metaphors, Paul Portner Presents The Field's Key Ideas About How Language Works.--jacket. 1. The Fundamental Question -- 2. Putting A Meaning Together From Pieces -- 3. More About Predicates -- 4. Modifiers -- 5. Complexities Of Referring Expressions -- 6. Quantifiers -- 7. Extensional Vs. Intensional Contexts -- 8. Tense, Aspect, And Modality -- 9. Propositional Attitudes -- 10. The Pragmatics Of What's Given -- 11. The Pragmatics Of Inference -- 12. Formal Semantics Today -- App. Answers To Selected Exercises. Paul H. Portner. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [223]-229) And Index. What is Meaning? Fundamentals of Formal Semantics is a concise introduction to the field of semantics as it is actually practiced. What is Meaning? Fundamentals of Formal Semantics is a concise introduction to the field of semantics as it is actually practiced. The book explains the fundamental ideas and some of the most significant results of modern semantic theory in an intuitive, engaging manner without relying on formalization or getting bogged down in technical skills. Through simple examples, pictures, and metaphors, Paul Portner presents the field's key ideas about how language works. By combining foundational discussion with simplified analyses of complex phenomena, What is Meaning? provides readers with a sense of the fascination to be found in the details of human language In ordinary life, we sometimes find ourselves talking about the meanings of words and sentences.