Semantic Underspecification in Language Processing
Semantic Underspecification in Language Processing
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DOI：
10.1111/j.1749-818x.2008.00104.x
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发表时间：
2009-01-01
影响因子：
2.5
通讯作者：
Frisson, Steven
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Frisson, Steven
It is commonly assumed that when we encounter a word in a text, we automatically and immediately activate specific, detailed semantic information associated with that word and instantly integrate this information in the unfolding interpretation of the text. On-line evidence of how we process polysemous words, that is, words with multiple semantically related interpretations or senses, suggests that instead of accessing a specific sense, language users initially activate a word's meaning that is semantically underspecified. Context can then help to make this meaning more specific, if there is a need for it. I will present an overview of the available evidence for this view, including new work that indicates that the type of task can influence how quickly we home-in on a specific sense, address evidence that, at first sight, seems to contradict the underspecification view, and outline a number of issues that require further attention.
