Semantics Handbook: Basic Notions and Exercises by Márcia Cançado

A Comprehensive Guide to the Study of Meaning in Language

Semantics, the study of meaning in language, is a fundamental aspect of linguistics and communication. In her book, "Semantics Handbook: Basic Notions and Exercises," Márcia Cançado provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to this complex field. With clear explanations, engaging examples, and thought-provoking exercises, Cançado's handbook is an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of human language.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Cançado covers a wide range of topics in semantics, including word meaning, sentence meaning, truth conditions, reference, and more.
• Clear and Concise Explanations: Complex concepts are presented in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner, making the book accessible to readers of all levels.
• Engaging Examples: Cançado uses real-world examples to illustrate semantic concepts, helping readers to grasp abstract ideas and apply them to practical situations.
• Thought-Provoking Exercises: Each chapter includes exercises that encourage readers to test their understanding of the material and explore semantic concepts in greater depth.
• Extensive Bibliography: The book provides an extensive bibliography, allowing readers to delve deeper into specific topics and further their knowledge of semantics.

Chapter Summaries:

Chapter 1: Introduction to Semantics

• Provides an overview of semantics and its importance in the study of language.
• Discusses the different types of meaning, including lexical meaning, grammatical meaning, and pragmatic meaning.

Chapter 2: Word Meaning

• Explores the different ways in which words acquire meaning, such as through denotation, connotation, and figurative language.
• Discusses the relationship between words and concepts, and the challenges of defining word meaning.

Chapter 3: Sentence Meaning

• Examines how the meaning of sentences is constructed from the meanings of their constituent words.
• Introduces the concepts of truth conditions, logical operators, and quantifiers.

Chapter 4: Reference

• Discusses the different ways in which words and phrases can refer to objects, properties, and events in the world.
• Explores the concepts of definite descriptions, proper names, and indexicals.

Chapter 5: Pragmatics

• Introduces the study of pragmatics, which focuses on the use of language in context.
• Discusses the role of context, speaker intention, and shared knowledge in understanding the meaning of utterances.

Why You Should Read This Book:

"Semantics Handbook: Basic Notions and Exercises" is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the meaning of language. With its comprehensive coverage, clear explanations, engaging examples, and thought-provoking exercises, Cançado's handbook provides a solid foundation in semantics and opens up a world of possibilities for further exploration. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply someone fascinated by the intricacies of human language, this book is a must-read.

Order Your Copy Today!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of language. Order your copy of "Semantics Handbook: Basic Notions and Exercises" today and embark on a journey into the fascinating world of semantics!