Realms of Meaning: An Introduction to Semantics (Learning About Language) - Softcover

Hofmann, Thomas R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0582028868 ISBN 13: 9780582028869

Publisher: Routledge, 1993

Synopsis

Aimed at students of linguistics and those studying language as part of a wider course, Learning About Language is a series of introductions to fundamental topics in language, linguistics and related areas. Semantics is the study of how we communicate in language and this book will be accessible to the student without any formal knowledge of the subject. The book provides an introduction to the subject, giving the student a broad understanding of the way meaning works in naturally evolved human language. Key Features * Avoids theoretical terminology and linguistic theories and concentrates instead on the analysis of meaning. Looks in depth at such subjects as opposites and negatives, modal verbs, prepositions and word meanings. Introduces some relatively new facts and viewpoints that will be of great interest to specialists of semantics in linguistics and relevant neighbouring areas. It is aimed at undergraduates, but should also beneficial to students of foreign languages.

About this title

From the Back Cover

learning about language is an exciting and ambitious new series of introductions to fundamental topics in language, linguistics and related areas. The books are designed for students of linguistics and those who are studying language as part of a wider course. In Realms of Meaning Thomas Hofmann provides an introduction to semantics that will be accessible to a student without any formal knowledge of the subject. This book provides an understanding of the way meaning works in natural languages against a background of how we communicate with language. Thomas Hofmann has designed his text with particular attention to the needs and interests of the layman, whether student or interested general reader. To that end he avoids theoretical terminology and elaborate technical apparatus, and his survey also avoids commitment to specific linguistic theories which might limit the general usefulness of the book, or be vulnerable to the changes and developments over time. Contentious issues are mentioned only lightly but analysis of meaning is taken nevertheless to the frontiers of current knowledge, and the book has new ideas and perspectives that will be of real interest to specialists of semantics, linguistics and neighbouring areas especially psychology, philosophy and sociology. The fifteen chapters of the book cover many different aspects of the subject and how meaning is conveyed in linguistic communication. Examples are chosen mainly from English to provide material for the wider discussion of the principles in the subject, but European, East Asian and other languages also provide illuminating examples.

Synopsis

Aimed at students of linguistics and those studying language as part of a wider course, Learning About Language is a series of introductions to fundamental topics in language, linguistics and related areas.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0582028868
• ISBN 13: 9780582028869
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 360