Introduction to Lexical Semantics

<p><em>An Introduction to Lexical Semantics</em> provides a comprehensive theoretical overview of lexical semantics analysing the major lexical categories in English: verbs nouns adjectives adverbs and prepositions. The book illustrates step-by-step how to use formal semantic tools. </p><p>Divided into four parts covering the key aspects of lexical semantics this book: </p><ul> <li>introduces readers to the major influential theories including the syntax-lexical semantics interface theory by Levin and Rappaport and Pinker the generative lexicon theory by Pustejovsky and formal semantic analyses </li> <li>discusses key topics in formal semantics including metonymy metaphor and polysemy </li> <li> illustrates how to study word meaning scientifically by discussing mathematical notions applied to compositional semantics. </li> </ul><p>Including reflection questions summaries further reading and practice exercises for each chapter this accessible guide to lexical semantics is essential reading for advanced students and teachers of formal semantics.</p>