1. Pronouns
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Daniel Büring
Abstract
We introduce the main types of pronouns in natural language - indefinites, definites, demonstratives, and reciprocals - and summarize current analyses of their semantics. For definite pronouns, we discuss question of whether pronouns are akin to variables or descriptions, in particular so- called pronouns of laziness, paycheck pronouns and E- type pronouns. Pronoun binding is analyzed in detail, including the questions of if and when semantic binding becomes obligatory. For all these issues, different formal implementations, including an explicit semantics for plural pronouns, are provided and discussed. The article closes with a short overview of semantic approaches to Binding Theory.
Abstract
We introduce the main types of pronouns in natural language - indefinites, definites, demonstratives, and reciprocals - and summarize current analyses of their semantics. For definite pronouns, we discuss question of whether pronouns are akin to variables or descriptions, in particular so- called pronouns of laziness, paycheck pronouns and E- type pronouns. Pronoun binding is analyzed in detail, including the questions of if and when semantic binding becomes obligatory. For all these issues, different formal implementations, including an explicit semantics for plural pronouns, are provided and discussed. The article closes with a short overview of semantic approaches to Binding Theory.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- 1. Pronouns 1
- 2. Definiteness and indefiniteness 33
- 3. Specificity 70
- 4. Quantifiers 112
- 5. Bare noun phrases 149
- 6. Possessives and relational nouns 177
- 7. Mass nouns and plurals 204
- 8. Genericity 232
- 9. Aspectual class and Aktionsart 274
- 10. Perfect and progressive 313
- 11. Verbal mood 369
- 12. Deverbal nominalization 407
- 13. Tense 436
- 14. Modality 463
- 15. Conditionals 503
- 16. Propositional attitudes 532
- 17. Indexicality and De Se reports 562
- Index 619
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- 1. Pronouns 1
- 2. Definiteness and indefiniteness 33
- 3. Specificity 70
- 4. Quantifiers 112
- 5. Bare noun phrases 149
- 6. Possessives and relational nouns 177
- 7. Mass nouns and plurals 204
- 8. Genericity 232
- 9. Aspectual class and Aktionsart 274
- 10. Perfect and progressive 313
- 11. Verbal mood 369
- 12. Deverbal nominalization 407
- 13. Tense 436
- 14. Modality 463
- 15. Conditionals 503
- 16. Propositional attitudes 532
- 17. Indexicality and De Se reports 562
- Index 619
