Semantics

This is a collection of published articles in the area of semantics, which is a core topic in linguistics; generally understood, it is the study of meaning, either of words (lexical semantics) or of utterances (pragmatics). It interacts closely with other fields like formal syntax and phonology.

In their selections, Steven Davis and Brendan Gillon try to strike a balance: to obtain a representative coverage of topics, approaches, and recognized authors; and also to choose articles which have made an important contribution to the field and are accessible to students as well as scholars. The volume will have appeal as a textbook for upper level courses and as a reference for scholars of linguistics who want the classic articles in their field in one convenient place. Semantics: A Reader may serve as a companion to Davis's: Pragmatics: A Reader.