24.954 Pragmatics in Linguistic Theory

Fall 2020

Instructors: Patrick Elliott and Danny Fox

• place: zoom
• time: Fridays 10:0-13:00
• class website: https://canvas.mit.edu/courses/4201
• class slack: https://join.slack.com/share/zt-h4sank5g-ntuJfI1p_Xi6~aNjHlOSEQ

Prerequisites

24.970 and 24.973, or equivalent

You should be well-versed in the material covered in Heim and Kratzer (1998), and Heim and von Fintel (2011), i.e., the techniques of compositional semantics, and possible world semantics for modal and attitude constructions.

Plan

In this course, we’ll be exploring phenomena at the borderline between semantics and pragmatics. At a broad level of abstraction, we can take semantics vs. pragmatics to be a distinction between linguistic and extra-linguistic factors governing interpretation and language use. A recurring question will be: what is within the purview of semantics proper, and what can (or should) be explained with reference to extra-grammatical factors.

Empirical phenomena which we hope to discuss include presupposition, anaphora, implicature, and questions. We’ll discuss some central theoretical developments in the field, such as Stalnaker’s notion of common ground, the dynamic turn in semantic theory, and various proposals pertaining to scalar strengthening.

Requirements

There will be at least five p-sets assigned over the course of the semester. These will be ungraded, but registered students will be expected to submit in collaboration with others. In addition, a short squib is due at the end of the semester.

Tentative schedule