Difference between revisions of "Generic interpretation"
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| − | '''Generic interpretation''' is the interpretation of a noun phrase as referring to a kind, to all members of a kind, or to any typical representative. | + | '''Generic interpretation''' is the [[interpretation]] of a [[noun phrase]] as referring to a kind, to all members of a kind, or to any typical representative. |
=== Example === | === Example === | ||
Latest revision as of 15:32, 15 February 2009
Generic interpretation is the interpretation of a noun phrase as referring to a kind, to all members of a kind, or to any typical representative.
Example
the italicized NPs in (i) are interpreted generically.
(i) a The cat is a domestic animal
b Cats are intelligent
c A cat loves to sleep
In the semantic literature, generic noun phrases are analyzed as names or definite descriptions of kinds or as a special kind of generic quantification over the members of a kind. Sentences with a generic interpretation express a generalization or a habit, a state which cannot be said to be true on one particular moment. Examples are (ii)a and b.
(ii) a The sun rises in the East
b John usually eats pork for breakfast
In many languages, generic sentences are in the simple present tense or the imperfective aspect.
Link
Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics
References
- Carlson, G. 1977. Reference to kinds in English, Ph.D. diss., University of Amherst.
