40 Questions
What is the relationship between utterances and sentences?
Utterances are physical events, while sentences are abstract
What is a sentence, as defined in the text?
An abstract ideal, conceived as a string of words put together by grammatical rules
Can a sentence have a specific time and place?
No, a sentence is an abstract ideal that exists independently of time and place
What is the primary focus of linguistics, according to the text?
The study of spoken language, with a focus on utterances
What is the difference between an utterance and a sentence?
An utterance is a physical event, while a sentence is an abstract ideal
Can an utterance be loud or slow?
Yes, an utterance can be loud or slow
Do all authentic performances of Macbeth begin with the same sentence?
Yes, all authentic performances of Macbeth begin with the same sentence
What is not typical of a book, according to the text?
It contains utterances
What happens when a speaker utters a simple declarative sentence?
The speaker commits himself to the truth of the proposition.
Which type of sentence does NOT assert the truth of a proposition?
Imperative sentences
What is the primary aim of the coursebook described?
To present semantics basics simply and progressively.
What is the propositional content of the question 'Can John go?'?
John can go.
Which pair of sentences has the same propositional content?
'Go away, will you?' and 'You will go away.'
What is NOT included in the new edition of the coursebook?
A section on phonetics.
What ensures students can monitor their progress in the coursebook?
Feedback and comment sections.
What is true about sentences in different languages?
They can have the same propositional content if they are perfect translations.
Who of the following is a Professor of General Linguistics?
James R. Hurford
What does an imperative sentence convey?
An order related to a proposition.
In the example 'Have you seen my toothbrush?', does the speaker assert any proposition?
No, because the speaker is merely asking a question.
What is a key topic covered in the semantics coursebook?
Sense and reference
Which of these institutions is not associated with the authors of the coursebook?
Cambridge University
Which sentence pair does NOT have a common propositional content?
'Pigs might fly' and 'I'm a Dutchman.'
What is the format for the study guides and exercises added in the new edition?
Online answer key
In which countries does Cambridge University Press have publishing locations?
Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid
What characteristic is unique to an utterance, but not to a sentence?
Tied to a particular time and place
Which of the following pairs has the same propositional content?
John left yesterday / Did John leave yesterday?
Which sentence represents a proposition?
John has some cake
Which of the following is NOT true about propositions?
They are in a particular language
Which of the following is an example of a sentence?
John sang wonderfully last night
Is the statement 'Can you pass the salt?' tied to any particular time and place?
Yes
Does the sentence 'Can a sentence be true or false?' evaluate the truth-value of propositions?
Yes
Which of the following best describes the relationship between sense and reference?
Sense deals with relationships inside language, reference with language and the world
What is the main focus of chemical theory?
Facts about chemical phenomena
What do semantic theories primarily aim to discover?
Some system and pattern in an assortment of particular facts about meanings
What kind of meaning do proper names (like English John or French Jean) have compared to common nouns (like English man or German Mann)?
A different kind of meaning
How does the meaning of prepositions compare to proper names and common nouns?
Prepositions have a different kind of meaning from both proper names and common nouns
Which of the following statements is true regarding the meanings of conjunctions (like English and or French et)?
Conjunctions have a different kind of meaning from proper names, common nouns, and prepositions
What distinguishes articles (like English 'the') from proper names, common nouns, prepositions, and conjunctions?
They have a different kind of meaning
Which statement about semantic theory is accurate?
It applies to human languages in general
What does the text suggest about basic facts of meaning in different languages?
Many have clear counterparts in other languages
This practical coursebook covers the basics of semantics in a simple and step-by-step fashion, with practice exercises and feedback sections to help students monitor their progress.
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