James R. HurfordCambridge University PressEdition: 2, 4/19/2007EAN 9780521671873, ISBN10: 0521671876Paperback, 366 pages, 24.7 x 17.4 x 2.3 cmLanguage: EnglishThis practical coursebook introduces all the basics of semantics in a simple, step-by-step fashion. Each unit includes short sections of explanation with examples, followed by stimulating practice exercises to complete in the book. Feedback and comment sections follow each exercise to enable students to monitor their progress. No previous background in semantics is assumed, as students begin by discovering the value and fascination of the subject and then move through all key topics in the field, including sense and reference, simple logic, word meaning and interpersonal meaning. New study guides and exercises have been added to the end of each unit to help reinforce and test learning. A completely new unit on non-literal language and metaphor, plus updates throughout the text significantly expand the scope of the original edition to bring it up-to-date with modern teaching of semantics for introductory courses in linguistics as well as intermediate students.PrefaceAcknowledgementsPart I. Basic Ideas in SemanticsUnit 1. About semanticsUnit 2. Sentences, utterances, and propositionsUnit 3. Reference and sensePart II. From Reference …Unit 4. Referring expressionsUnit 5. PredicatesUnit 6. Predicates, referring expressions, and universe of discourseUnit 7. Deixis and definitenessUnit 8. Words and things. Extensions and prototypesPart III. … To SenseUnit 9. Sense properties and stereotypesUnit 10. Sense relations (1)Unit 11. Sense relations (2)Part IV. LogicUnit 12. About logicUnit 13. A notation for simple propositionsUnit 14. Connectives. And and orUnit 15. More connectivesPart V. Word MeaningUnit 16. About dictionariesUnit 17. Meaning postulatesUnit 18. Properties of predicatesUnit 19. DerivationUnit 20. Participant rolesPart VI. Interpersonal and Non-Literal MeaningUnit 21. Speech actsUnit 22. Perlocutions and illocutionsUnit 23. Felicity conditionsUnit 24. Direct and indirect illocutionsUnit 25. Propositions and illocutionsUnit 26. Conversational implicatureUnit 27. Non-literal meaningidioms, metaphor, and metonymySelected references and recommendations for further studyIndex.'The best and most accessible textbook in its field.' Keith Green, Sheffield Hallam University
