Glossary: G-Function
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G-Function
Definition
The G-Function in Predicate Logic maps variables to individuals from the universe. In natural, real-world language we use variable, such as personal pronouns, instead of repeating the names constantly that are referred to. In order to, firstly, display and, then, interpret sentences with pronouns , the G-Function is applied.
Examples
The following examples refer to the scenario given in the online exercises.
Alice likes watching footbal together with Lisa.
--> I-Function:
I(alice) = <alice>
I(lisa) = <lisa>
Formula: like-watching-football-together (alice, lisa)
But: She likes watching football together with her.
--> G-Function:
g(x)= <alice>
g(y)= <lisa>
--> Formula can be formed and interpreted: like-watching-football-together (x,y)
References
Literature
- Levine, Robert D., Frank Richter, and Manfred Sailer (in preparation): Formal Semantics. An Empirically Grounded Approach. Stanford: CSLI Publications. Draft of April 2012. Chapter 2.