On Definiteness

A Study with Special Reference to English and Finnish

By:

Andrew Chesterman

Format:

Paperback / softback

Series:

Cambridge Studies in Linguistics

Show Hide Adult Content

$110.00

Available from supplier

Usually ships in 3-4 weeks

0 in Trolley

Price Match

Wrap this item as a gift ($5.90) - add a free gift card on the next page

Free Delivery with Primate

Join Now

Free 14 day free trial, cancel anytime.

Buy Now, Pay Later with:

4 payments of $27.50 with Afterpay Learn more

6 weekly interest-free payments of $18.33 with Laybuy Learn more

Availability

Delivering to:

Estimated arrival:

Around 11-21 June using International Courier

Description

This 1991 book proposes a theory of definiteness in language. It argues that definiteness should be viewed as a cover-term comprising three basic oppositions within the areas of familiarity (locatability), quantity (inclusiveness) and generality (extensivity). Further, the oppositions are not discrete but scalar, and lend themselves to characterization in terms of fuzzy theory. Dr Chesterman examines these themes, firstly by drawing on several traditions of research on the rich system of articles in English, and then by looking at how the concept of definiteness is realized in Finnish, a language which has no articles and typically leaves definiteness to be inferred by a variety of means. On Definiteness provides a thorough and sensitive discussion of an intricate semantic problem. It highlights two important theoretical points: the fuzziness of the linguistic concept of definiteness and the differences between languages in the way in which they draw the line between syntax, semantics and pragmatics.

Release date NZ

November 17th, 2005

Author

Andrew Chesterman

Audience

Professional & Vocational

Illustrations

Worked examples or Exercises

Pages

236

Series

Cambridge Studies in Linguistics

Dimensions

154x229x16

ISBN-13

9780521022873

Product ID

1969288

Customer reviews

Nobody has reviewed this product yet. You could be the first!

Write a Review

Marketplace listings

There are no Marketplace listings available for this product currently.
Already own it? Create a free listing and pay just 9% commission when it sells!

Sell Yours Here