Introduction to Compositional Semantics

LECTURER: Thomas Ede Zimmermann
August 12-23, 11.00-12.30, Room 3.101

This is a beginners’ course that introduces the basic concepts and techniques of formal semantics. After some preliminaries (semantics vs pragmatics; lexical vs. logical semantics; compositionality), we will stepwise introduce the theory of extension and intension. We will start with the meaning of sentences in possible world semantics, and then move on to simple extensional constructions (predication, quantification), followed by the modal logic approach to propositional attitude reports (i.e. Hintikka semantics). If our time permits, we will take a brief look at a type-logical translation algorithm and/or further constructions (relative clauses, adjectives). The course will be based on the class notes available below.