23 February 2001, DIP Colloquium, Gerhard Jaeger (Utrecht University)

23 February 2001, DIP Colloquium, Gerhard Jaeger (Utrecht University)
Speaker: Gerhard Jaeger (Utrecht University)
Title: On the semantics of as and be
Place: Philosophy Department, MFR ground floor (a.k.a. Room 001)
Date and Time: Friday February 23th, 2001, 15.00-17.00

Abstract:
This paper deals with a series of semantic contrasts between the copula be and the preposition as two functional elements that both head elementary predication structures. It will be argued that the meaning of as is a type lowering device shifting the meaning of its complement NP from generalized quantifier type to property type (where properties are conceived as relations between individuals and situations), while the copula be induces a type coercion from (partial) situations to (total) possible worlds. Paired with van der Sandt's (1992) theory of presupposition accommodation, these assumptions will account for the observed contrasts between as and be.

More information can be found on the DIP (Discourse Processing) homepage, or by contacting the DIP Colloquium organizing committee at DIP@hum.uva.nl