Semantics 1, SoSe 2014: Difference between revisions
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# Reading 1: the PP ''with a dagger'' is a modifier of the verb ''kill'' Paraphrase: ''Macbeth used a dagger to kill a king.''<br />Reading 2: the PP ''with a dagger'' is a modifier of the noun ''king''. Paraphrase: ''Macbeth killed a king who had a dagger.'' | # Reading 1: the PP ''with a dagger'' is a modifier of the verb ''kill'' Paraphrase: ''Macbeth used a dagger to kill a king.''<br />Reading 2: the PP ''with a dagger'' is a modifier of the noun ''king''. Paraphrase: ''Macbeth killed a king who had a dagger.'' | ||
</div></div> | </div></div> | ||
=== Task 2: Model and Interpretation === | |||
(Note: For this task you do not need to use the functional notation | |||
and the types) | |||
# Define a universe that consists of Macbeth and Banquo. | |||
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:800px"> | |||
Check your answer | |||
<div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | |||
# Type of ambiguity: structural ambiguity | |||
# ''U'' = { ''Macbeth'', ''Banquo'' } | |||
</div></div> | |||
# Define the interpretation of the names '''macbeth''' and '''banquo''' in an intuitively plausible way. | |||
<div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | |||
# Type of ambiguity: structural ambiguity | |||
# I('''macbeth''') = ''Macbeth'', <br /> I('''banquo''') = ''Banquo'' | |||
</div></div> | |||
# Define the interpretation of the properties \co{thane}, \co{king}, | |||
%\co{be-on-a-quest}, | |||
and \co{witch} is such a way that Macbeth is a | |||
king, both are thanes and neither is a witch. | |||
%both are on a quest, | |||
\item Define the interpretation of the 2-place relations | |||
\co{mistrust} and \co{kill} in such a way that Macbeth and |
Revision as of 13:57, 2 July 2014
Material for the seminar Semantics 1, summer term 2014, Goethe University, Frankfurt a.M.
Mock exam file: File:Mock-exam-sose14.pdf
The examples in the text are based on Shakespeare's play Macbeth. The full text of the play is available on Projekt Gutenberg.
Task 1: Ambiguity
Consider the following ambiguous sentences.
- For each of these, determine the type of ambiguity.
- Provide an unambiguous paraphrase for the possible readings.
(1) a. Duncan trusted Macbeth because he was a thane.
Check your answer
- Type of ambiguity: referential ambiguity
- Reading 1: he refers to Macbeth. Paraphrase: Duncan trusted Macbeth because Macbeth was a thane.
Reading 2: he refers to Duncan. Paraphrase: Duncan trusted Macbeth because Duncan was a thane.
b. Every king trusts a thane.
Check your answer
- Type of ambiguity: scope ambiguity
- Reading 1: every takes scope over a. Paraphrase: For every king there is at least one thane such that the king trusts that thane.
Reading 2: a takes scope over every. Paraphrase: There is one particular thane such that each king trusts this thane.
b. Macbeth and Macduff are married.
Check your answer
- Type of ambiguity: collective-distributive ambiguity
- Reading 1: collective reading. Paraphrase: Macbeth and Macduff are married to each other
Reading 2: distributive reading. Paraphrase: Macbeth and Macduff are both married, but not to each other.
b. Macbeth killed a king with a dagger.
Check your answer
- Type of ambiguity: structural ambiguity
- Reading 1: the PP with a dagger is a modifier of the verb kill Paraphrase: Macbeth used a dagger to kill a king.
Reading 2: the PP with a dagger is a modifier of the noun king. Paraphrase: Macbeth killed a king who had a dagger.
Task 2: Model and Interpretation
(Note: For this task you do not need to use the functional notation and the types)
- Define a universe that consists of Macbeth and Banquo.
Check your answer
- Type of ambiguity: structural ambiguity
- U = { Macbeth, Banquo }
- Define the interpretation of the names macbeth and banquo in an intuitively plausible way.
- Type of ambiguity: structural ambiguity
- I(macbeth) = Macbeth,
I(banquo) = Banquo
- Define the interpretation of the properties \co{thane}, \co{king},
%\co{be-on-a-quest},
and \co{witch} is such a way that Macbeth is a
king, both are thanes and neither is a witch.
%both are on a quest, \item Define the interpretation of the 2-place relations
\co{mistrust} and \co{kill} in such a way that Macbeth and