Abstract
In this article, I propose an inquisitive approach to semantic underdetermination using the model of issue resolution to describe how occasion meanings are determined in the process of pragmatic enrichment. I appeal to “Travis cases” to motivate the account of semantic underdetermination based on alternative ways for some object a to be F. When interpreting a sentence, we look how to narrow down the space of metalinguistic alternatives and achieve the state where a metalinguistic issue is resolved. I suggest that, in doing this, we primarily rely on contextual domain goals, preferring those alternatives which are conducive to the goal.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 669-692 |
Journal | Mind and Language |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2023 |
Externally published | Yes |
Funding
I would like to thank Floris Roelofson, Maria Aloni, Martin Stokhof, Alun Davies, Nadine Theiler, Jakub Dotlačil, Henk Zeevat, Eliot Michaelson, Nathan Klinedinst, Peter Hawke, Alex Davies and the inquisitive semantics group at the ILLC. Presented in Dusseldorf SFB 991 colloquium, London PALLMYR-XI, Amsterdam InqBnB2.
Funders | Funder number |
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Floris Roelofson |