LINGUIST List 23.1110
|
Mon Mar 05 2012
Qs: Semantic/Pragmatic Analyses of ''Understand''
Editor for this issue: Zac Smith
<zac linguistlist.org>
|
We'd like to remind readers that the responses to queries are usually best posted to the individual asking the question. That individual is then strongly encouraged to post a summary to the list. This policy was instituted to help control the huge volume of mail on LINGUIST; so we would appreciate your cooperating with it whenever it seems appropriate.
In addition to posting a summary, we'd like to remind people that it is usually a good idea to personally thank those individuals who have taken the trouble to respond to the query.
To post to LINGUIST, use our convenient web form at http://linguistlist.org/LL/posttolinguist.cfm.
|
Date: 04-Mar-2012
From: Eddy Gaytan <e-gaytansbcglobal.net>
Subject: Semantic/Pragmatic Analyses of ''Understand''
 E-mail this message to a friend
Dear Linguists,
I am researching the cognitive verb UNDERSTAND in English and
other languages such as French.
I am particularly interested in sentences in which understand takes the
WH-word why, plus a clausal object complement like the following:
1. I understand why John V/Ved…
2. I do not understand why John V/Ved…
I am interested in semantic/pragmatic/discourse-analysis analyses
which explain the information not expressed and pointed to by why,
which seems to be crucial for sentences like 1 and 2 to make sense.
Or, rather, the cogitator in 1 and 2 is only being truthful if his use of
why points to a set of reasons which allow him to understand a
proposition.
As I said before, I would appreciate any information regarding the verb
understand of the WH-word why.
Linguistic Field(s):
Discourse Analysis
Pragmatics
Semantics
Syntax
Read more issues|LINGUIST home page|Top of issue
|
|
Page Updated: 05-Mar-2012
|
|
About LINGUIST
|
Contact Us
While the LINGUIST List makes every effort to ensure the linguistic relevance of sites listed
on its pages, it cannot vouch for their contents.
|
|
