XVIII Instituto de Lingüística

In this course, we will consider the extension of Typology, traditionally applied to grammar and phonology, to semantics. We will look at the methodological aspects of two case studies on demonstratives and on spatial adpositions, attempting to show: (a) that semantics can be compared cross-linguistically, (b) that there are possible methods for approaching the problems of semantic comparison -- with advantages and disadvantages, and (c) that there is a broad horizon of other possible studies.

Introductions to Typology e.g.:

Comrie, B. 1989 (2nd ed.) Language Universals and Linguistic Typology. Chicago: University of Chicago Press

Croft, W. 1990. Typology and universals. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Whaley, L. J. 1997. Introduction to typology: the unity and diversity of language. Newbury Park: Sage.

Articles:
Levinson & Meira (2003). ?Natural concepts? in the spatial topological domain -- adpositional meanings in cross-linguistic perspective: a study in semantic typology. Language 79:485-516.

- Contrasting contrastive demonstratives in Tiriyó and Lavukaleve, Sérgio Meira and Angela Terril

- Approaching space in Tiriyó grammar, Sérgio Meira

- 'Natural Concepts' in the spatial topological domain-adpositional meanings in crosslinguistic perspective: an exercise in semantic typology, Sérgio Meira, Stephen Levinson

- Apresentação em Power Point

- 'Manual' for the field season 2001