Course : Introduction to Linguistics II (Εαρ. 2024-'25) - Sections Α-Καρ & Π-Ω

In this class, we focused on the analysis of word meaning in terms of semantic features and semantic roles. We specifically analyzed word meaning in terms of a small set of semantic features, which help us define, at least partly, the meaning of certain words, as well as how words cluster to form semantic classes but also differ (cf. "woman" and "girl"). This helps us also explain the oddity of certain linguistic expressions, such as "?The apple ate the hay". Moreover, we analyzed words in terms of the semantic, or thematic roles they fulfill in a sentence. Such roles include: agent and theme, instrument, experiencer, location, source, and goal. Semantic roles are assigned primarily by verbs, as well as by prepositions. 

Please study the lecture slides and the relevant pages from Yule's chapter 9 (pp. 112-116). For next time, please do the following exersices from Handout 1 on Semantics: 3, 8, 9, 10. You need to also bring with you Handout 2 that is available in the relevant folder under Documents.