
Elements of Formal Semantics
An Introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Meaning in Natural Language
Yoad Winter(Author)
Edinburgh University Press
Published on 1. April 2016
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-0-7486-4043-0 (ISBN)
Description
Introducing some of the foundational concepts, principles and techniques in the formal semantics of natural language, Elements of Formal Semantics outlines the mathematical principles that underlie linguistic meaning. Making use of a wide range of concrete English examples, the book presents the most useful tools and concepts of formal semantics in an accessible style and includes a variety of practical exercises so that readers can learn to utilise these tools effectively. For readers with an elementary background in set theory and linguistics or with an interest in mathematical modelling, this fascinating study is an ideal introduction to natural language semantics. Designed as a quick yet thorough introduction to one of the most vibrant areas of research in modern linguistics today this volume reveals the beauty and elegance of the mathematical study of meaning.
Reviews / Votes
Elements of Formal Semantics has several notable assets: it is formally careful and deliberate, as thorough as any logic textbook; it has a lot of varied and well-thought-out exercises (including practice exercises with solutions); a Conclusions chapter containing references on a number of phenomena (adjectives, definiteness, plurality, tense and aspect) students can extend the formal foundation to; and, at the end of each chapter, a Further Reading section that cites innovative, contemporary research articles as well as historical sources and other textbooks. As a result, it is a very versatile book, useful as a primary textbook, as a secondary textbook for more advanced or formally inclined students, or as a source of supplementary formal definitions and exercises. -- Jessica Rett, UCLA * Glossa * One of the major pros of this book is its wealth of exercises, many of which are supplied with solutions, at the end of each chapter. Some are technical and others are more advanced, and many of these are singled out as introducing new notions not addressed in the text. -- Journal of Logic Language and Information * Kjell Johan Saebo, University of Oslo * Winter presents the semantics of language in a manner that practically shows that logic originates in language, and is not just applied to language. Due to this manner of presentation, the current book can be treated as a modern continuation of the book by van Fraassen [Formal Semantics and Logic, 1971]. Therefore, the current book is and will be interesting to students of logic, especially undergraduates in mathematical logic, alongside the students and researchers in linguistics who, probably, were the book's intended audience. -- Ioachim Mihai Drugus * MathSciNet * An excellent introduction to the subject, both as a textbook and as background reading for students who find themselves exposed to more advanced parts of semantics. I haven't seen the foundations of formal semantics explained more clearly, more cleanly and more elegantly anywhere before. Professor Hans Kamp, University of Stuttgart -- Professor Hans KampMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
36 black and white line art
Dimensions
Height: 236 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
425 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7486-4043-0 (9780748640430)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Yoad Winter
Elements of Formal Semantics
An Introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Meaning in Natural Language
E-Book
04/2016
1st Edition
Edinburgh University Press
€0.00
Available for download

Yoad Winter
Elements of Formal Semantics
An Introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Meaning in Natural Language
E-Book
04/2016
Edinburgh University Press
€25.49
Available for download
Person
Yoad Winter is professor in Semantics and Artificial Intelligence at the Utrecht Institute of Linguistics at Utrecht University.
Content
1: Introduction
2: Meaning and Form
3: Types and Meaning Composition
4: Quantified Noun Phrases
5: Long-Distance Meaning Relationships
6: Intensionality and Possible Worlds
7: Conclusion and further topics
Bibliography
Index
2: Meaning and Form
3: Types and Meaning Composition
4: Quantified Noun Phrases
5: Long-Distance Meaning Relationships
6: Intensionality and Possible Worlds
7: Conclusion and further topics
Bibliography
Index