Semantics 1, SoSe 2014

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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.

  1. For each of these, determine the type of ambiguity.
  2. Provide an unambiguous paraphrase for the possible readings.

(1) a. Duncan trusted Macbeth because he was a thane.

Check your answers

  1. Type of ambiguity: referential ambiguity
  2. 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.

b. Macbeth and Macduff are married.

b. Macbeth killed a king with a dagger.

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