Description
Book SynopsisExplores a theory of indefinite noun phrase interpretation and definiteness effects. This book provides an introduction to aspects of the semantics of noun phrases, as well as comparing alternate theories. It is useful for students and scholars in formal semantics as well as the fields of syntax, pragmatics, and the philosophy of language.
Trade Review"An impressive contribution to the study of definiteness effects in natural language, empirically rich and theoretically stimulating. Fred Landman’s style is uniquely engaging – he makes hardcore linguistics fun to read!"
Veneeta Dayal, Rutgers University
"Some people might think that everything has been said about the semantics of indefinites. Landman's book proves the opposite. It contains a wealth of new ideas and insights about this never-aging topic." Gerhard Jäger, University of Potsdam
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements.
Reading this book at different levels.
Introduction.
1. Numerical Adjectives and the Type of Sets.
2. The Adjectival Theory of Indefinite Predicates and Arguments.
3. The Variable Constraint on Predicates and There-Insertion Subjects.
4. Problems for Weak-Strong Analyses of There-Insertion Subjects.
5. There-Insertion Subjects as Subjects Adjoined to Verb Phrases.
6. There-Insertion Subjects Adjoined to Saturated Predicates.
7. Some Questions about There-Insertion in Dutch.
8. The Problem of Negative Noun Phrases.
9. Relational Indefinites and Semantic Incorporation.
10. Definite Time-Adverbials and Event Measures.
11. Indefinite Time-Adverbials and the Counting-Grid.
References.
Index.
