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Keeping quantifier meaning in mind: Connecting semantics, cognition, and pragmatics.
Tyler Knowlton1, John Trueswell2, Anna Papafragou3
1MindCORE, University of Pennsylvania, 3740 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Semantic meaning differences in words like "each" and "every" activate distinct cognitive systems, influencing how we use language. This study integrates semantics, cognition, and pragmatics to explain language use patterns.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- A comprehensive theory of linguistic meaning requires understanding semantic properties, cognitive links, and communication use.
- These areas are typically studied in isolation, hindering a unified theory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel framework for the semantics-cognition-pragmatics interface.
- To demonstrate how semantic differences in quantifiers influence cognitive systems and subsequent language use.
Main Methods:
- Adopted a mentalistic account of quantifiers 'each' and 'every'.
- Proposed 'each' interfaces with object-file representation and 'every' with ensemble representation.
- Conducted seven experiments to test predictions about quantifier use.
Main Results:
- The proposed account successfully predicted known and novel pragmatic constraints on 'each' and 'every'.
- Demonstrated that semantic distinctions predictably affect language use patterns.
- Showcased the impact of fine-grained semantic differences on cognitive systems.
Conclusions:
- Fine-grained semantic differences in expressions activate distinct cognitive systems.
- These cognitive activations have predictable downstream effects on pragmatic language use.
- An integrated approach to semantics, cognition, and pragmatics offers a more complete understanding of language.
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