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Topic 2: Reference

Topic 2: Reference. Introduction to Semantics. Referring expression. Definition An expression used to refer to a specific referent (something or someone) in mind. The same expression can be a referring reference or not, depending on the context. The indefinite NP

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Topic 2: Reference

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  1. Topic 2: Reference Introduction to Semantics

  2. Referring expression • Definition • An expression used to refer to a specific referent (something or someone) in mind.

  3. The same expression can be a referring reference or not, depending on the context. • The indefinite NP • A café in the neighborhood is giving away free coffee today. (+R) • The popular image of Paris today is a café. (-R)

  4. The definite NP • Proper names, pronouns, the-expressions • Tom wants to be a coffee barista. • He opened a café last week. • The girl who looks like Nicole Kidman is the new waitress. • Ambiguous case • If anyone can read ancient Egyptian, he must be a genius.

  5. Opaque context • Part of an expression can be substituted and the substitution produces different meanings in a given situation. • Imagine that it’s a blank check. The check is an opaque context. You can cash in the amount of money you write. • John believes that _______ is the best café in town. • John believes that Starbukcs is the best café in town. • John believes that Seattle is the best café in town.

  6. An equative sentence • Two referring expressions have the same referent. • Starbucks is my favorite café. • Starbucks= my favorite café.

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