Abstract: This paper is to introduce a new theory of explaining the semantics/pragmatics interface—default semantics, by K. M. Jaszczolt. In the theory, intentionality in communication is understood as the referentiality of linguistic expressions. The establishment of semantic meanings is the result of default reasoning, which is automatic based on intentions (referentiality) in communication with various types and strengths. Fixing on a semantic meaning is not the process of selecting context but identifying primary intention, with dynamic and unitary semantic meaning. There is no semantics/pragmatics boundary dispute. The theory is applied to explain such semantic ambiguities as in definite descriptions, presupposition expressions, negation, sentential connectives and number terms. Finally, the paper tries to comment on the theory and points out that further empirical research on principles of categorization and universality of this theory is needed.
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Date: 2006-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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