What Is Meaning?: Fundamentals of Formal Semantics

By Paul Portner

Book Overview

What is Meaning? Fundamentals of Formal Semantics is a concise introduction to the field of semantics as it is actually practiced. Through simple examples, pictures, and metaphors, Paul Portner presents the field's key ideas about how language works. Explains the fundamental ideas and some of the most significant results of modern semantic theory Combines foundational discussion with simplified analyses of complex phenomena to provide readers with a sense of the fascination to be found in the details of the human language Includes exercises and thought-provoking questions to facilitate learning

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1405109181
• ISBN13: 9781405109185
• Release Date: December 2004
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.5" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A terrific introduction

Although all have their merits, out of the three introductory semantics texts I read, I would recommend this book to those who are curious or beginning to explore the subject. Portner's writing is exceptionally paced, and at times quite entertaining (relative to textbooks in general, not just those for formal semantics). The thought exercises and line-art diagrams are well constructed and organized, and the discussions related to set theory and pragmatics were especially helpful.