A Compositional Semantics for Focusing Subjuncts

A compositional semantics for focusing subjuncts-words such as only, even, and also--is developed from Rooth's theory of association with focus. By adapting the theory so that it can be expressed in terms of a frame-based semantic formalism, a semantics that is more computationally practical is arrived at. This semantics captures pragmatic subtleties by incorporating a two-part representation, and recognizes the contribution of intonation to meaning.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1990
• Where: ACL
• Authors: Daniel Lyons, Graeme Hirst
• Keywords: ACL 1990, ACL 2007, Compositional Semantics, Frame-based Semantic Formalism, Semantics