Meaning in English

This lively compact textbook introduces readers to semantics - the study of how we construct meaning in communication. Easy to follow and with a clear structure it explains formal terminology in a simple and understandable way without using formal notation or logic and draws on dozens of examples from up-to-date empirical research findings. Offering a tight integration of classic semantic issues with cognitive science Javier Valenzuela provides a complete and coherent overview of the main topics in this area including a review of the empirical methods used in semantic theorizing and discussions of both non-traditional and new topics such as how meaning is acquired by children and how meaning is constructed cross-linguistically. Featuring illustrations exercises activities suggestions for further reading highlighted key terms and a comprehensive glossary this book is accessible to beginners and undergraduates including those from non-linguistic backgrounds with no prior knowledge of linguistic analysis. It will be an essential resource for courses in English language English studies linguistics and the cognitive sciences.