Introduction to Semantics

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What is the relationship between utterances and sentences?

Utterances are physical events, while sentences are abstract (correct)

Utterances are sentences spoken aloud

Utterances are abstract, while sentences are physical events

There is a one-to-one correspondence between the two

What is a sentence, as defined in the text?

A string of words spoken aloud

A physical object, such as a book or inscription

A performance of a play, such as Macbeth

An abstract ideal, conceived as a string of words put together by grammatical rules (correct)

Can a sentence have a specific time and place?

Yes, a sentence can have a specific time and place

Only if it is spoken aloud

No, a sentence is an abstract ideal that exists independently of time and place (correct)

Only if it is written down

What is the primary focus of linguistics, according to the text?

The study of spoken language, with a focus on utterances Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an utterance and a sentence?

An utterance is a physical event, while a sentence is an abstract ideal Signup and view all the answers

Can an utterance be loud or slow?

Yes, an utterance can be loud or slow Signup and view all the answers

Do all authentic performances of Macbeth begin with the same sentence?

Yes, all authentic performances of Macbeth begin with the same sentence Signup and view all the answers

What is not typical of a book, according to the text?

It contains utterances Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a speaker utters a simple declarative sentence?

The speaker commits himself to the truth of the proposition. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sentence does NOT assert the truth of a proposition?

Imperative sentences Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the coursebook described?

To present semantics basics simply and progressively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the propositional content of the question 'Can John go?'?

John can go. Signup and view all the answers

Which pair of sentences has the same propositional content?

'Go away, will you?' and 'You will go away.' Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT included in the new edition of the coursebook?

A section on phonetics. Signup and view all the answers

What ensures students can monitor their progress in the coursebook?

Feedback and comment sections. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about sentences in different languages?

They can have the same propositional content if they are perfect translations. Signup and view all the answers

Who of the following is a Professor of General Linguistics?

James R. Hurford Signup and view all the answers

What does an imperative sentence convey?

An order related to a proposition. Signup and view all the answers

In the example 'Have you seen my toothbrush?', does the speaker assert any proposition?

No, because the speaker is merely asking a question. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key topic covered in the semantics coursebook?

Sense and reference Signup and view all the answers

Which of these institutions is not associated with the authors of the coursebook?

Cambridge University Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence pair does NOT have a common propositional content?

'Pigs might fly' and 'I'm a Dutchman.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the format for the study guides and exercises added in the new edition?

Online answer key Signup and view all the answers

In which countries does Cambridge University Press have publishing locations?

Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is unique to an utterance, but not to a sentence?

Tied to a particular time and place Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs has the same propositional content?

John left yesterday / Did John leave yesterday? Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence represents a proposition?

John has some cake Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT true about propositions?

They are in a particular language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a sentence?

John sang wonderfully last night Signup and view all the answers

Is the statement 'Can you pass the salt?' tied to any particular time and place?

Yes Signup and view all the answers

Does the sentence 'Can a sentence be true or false?' evaluate the truth-value of propositions?

Yes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between sense and reference?

Sense deals with relationships inside language, reference with language and the world Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of chemical theory?

Facts about chemical phenomena Signup and view all the answers

What do semantic theories primarily aim to discover?

Some system and pattern in an assortment of particular facts about meanings Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes articles (like English 'the') from proper names, common nouns, prepositions, and conjunctions?

They have a different kind of meaning Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about semantic theory is accurate?

It applies to human languages in general Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about basic facts of meaning in different languages?

Many have clear counterparts in other languages Signup and view all the answers