Semantic Structure In English (studies In Functional And Structural Linguistics)
by Jim Feist /
2016 / English / PDF
1.9 MB Download
Syntax puts our meaning (“semantics”) into sentences, and phonology
puts the sentences into the sounds that we hear and there must,
surely, be a structure in the meaning that is expressed in the
syntax and phonology. Some writers use the phrase “semantic
structure”, but are referring to conceptual structure; since we can
express our conceptual thought in many different linguistic ways,
we cannot equate conceptual and semantic structures.
Syntax puts our meaning (“semantics”) into sentences, and phonology
puts the sentences into the sounds that we hear and there must,
surely, be a structure in the meaning that is expressed in the
syntax and phonology. Some writers use the phrase “semantic
structure”, but are referring to conceptual structure; since we can
express our conceptual thought in many different linguistic ways,
we cannot equate conceptual and semantic structures.
The research reported in this book shows semantic structure to be
in part hierarchic, fitting the syntax in which it is expressed,
and partly a network, fitting the nature of the mind, from which it
springs. It is complex enough to provide for the emotive and
imaginative dimensions of language, and for shifts of standard
meanings in context, and the “rules” that control them.
The research reported in this book shows semantic structure to be
in part hierarchic, fitting the syntax in which it is expressed,
and partly a network, fitting the nature of the mind, from which it
springs. It is complex enough to provide for the emotive and
imaginative dimensions of language, and for shifts of standard
meanings in context, and the “rules” that control them.
Showing the full structure of English semantics requires attention
to many currently topical issues, and since the underlying theory
is fresh, there are fresh implications for them. The most important
of those issues is information structure, which is given full
treatment, showing its overall structure, and its relation to
semantics and the whole grammar of English.
Showing the full structure of English semantics requires attention
to many currently topical issues, and since the underlying theory
is fresh, there are fresh implications for them. The most important
of those issues is information structure, which is given full
treatment, showing its overall structure, and its relation to
semantics and the whole grammar of English.