Elements of Formal Semantics: An Introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Meaning in Natural Language

Edinburgh Advanced Textbooks in Linguistics

by Yoad Winter

Introducing some of the foundational concepts, principles and techniques in the formal semantics of natural language, Elements of Formal Semantics outlines the mathematical principles that underlie linguistic meaning. Making use of a wide range of concrete English examples, the book presents the most useful tools and concepts of formal semantics in an accessible style and includes a variety of practical exercises so that readers can learn to utilise these tools effectively. For readers with an elementary background in set theory and linguistics or with an interest in mathematical modelling, this fascinating study is an ideal introduction to natural language semantics. Designed as a quick yet thorough introduction to one of the most vibrant areas of research in modern linguistics today this volume reveals the beauty and elegance of the mathematical study of meaning.

Genres: Linguistics

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

Reviews

[Othman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this textbook. It gives a general intro to formal semantics and its application to natural languages. It presupposes a reasonable understanding of set theory, and it gives a brief overview of set theory in the beginning, but I doubt that that would be enough for people with no background in set theory.