How the data of W. J. M. Levelt et al. (1991) can be reconciled with interactive spreading-activation theories of language production is explained. A reply by Levelt and others refutes this assertion and argues that their original data were in full agreement with predictions of the two-stage theory of lexical processing. (SLD)

Analysis of six cross-linguistic properties characterizing the head verb in the resultative construction in Chinese shows that the first verb, and not the second verb, should be analyzed as the head verb. (15 references) (Author/CB)

Briefly describes the results of six studies comparing English-language homonyms and heteronyms in earlier dictionaries and their survival rates in later dictionaries, concluding that, in each of the studies, as many or more, not fewer, of the homonyms survived. (14 references) (CB)

Discusses the performance of automatic direct machine translation systems available through the Internet and examines semantic processing errors that result in confusion when the intended meaning of sentences is not correctly translated. Suggests the need for Web-based translation systems that have an explicit cross-linguistic representation of…

Presents a novel formalism for representing the notion of approximation to the truth, and analyzes the meanings of these expressions in terms of this formalism. Pragmatic looseness of this kind should be distinguished from authentic truth-conditional vagueness. (Author/VWL)

Argues that there is a large class of expressions, typified by "plastic flower," stuffed animal," and "kosher bacon," that have a unique semantics combining compositional, idiomatic, and decompositional interpretation. (Author/VWL)

Distinguishes two types of language, V-to-I type versus V-to-V type, with a view to deriving two distinct patterns of associating specific interpretations with subject positions. (Author/VWL)

Evidence exists that the static/dynamic contrast can be established over how semantic relations link to syntax. The claim that this aspectual contrast can be derived over the linking of semantic relations in turn accounts for the failure of the English verb SEE to be marked for an aspectuality, and for the aspectual polysemy of English verbs of…

Provides a complex analysis of the semiotic relationship between a word and the potential meaning that a word carries. Discusses Chinese words as a form, creating and carrying a venue for broad philosophical interpretation. (Author/VWL)

Investigated the effects of semantic predictability on children's preservation of the /t/-/d/ phonemic voice contrast. Children in three age groups completed testing. Twelve adults acted as controls. There were age-related effects in the influence of semantic predictability on the preservation of a phonemic voice contrast. Differences produced by…

This paper tests two claims about the thematic roles Agent and Patient: first, that they can be decomposed into more primitive features, as laid out in Dowty's (1991) Proto-Roles Hypothesis; and second, that these properties can be inferred directly from the grammatical roles subject and object. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants rated the…

The main objective of this study is to illustrate how adaptation to linguistic limitations takes place in a specific activity and is affected by factors pertaining to the social activity or the individuals. A man with aphasia is compared to an adult immigrant L2 learner. An argumentative role play was video-recorded, transcribed and analysed. Both…

Recent evidence indicates that task and subject variables that are associated with increased interaction between the left and right cerebral hemispheres result in enhanced performance on tests of episodic memory. The current study looked at the effects of increased interhemispheric interaction on false memories using a verbal converging semantic…

The present experiments represent a phenomenon in which people experienced an illusion of knowing such that they were overconfident in their ability to remember information they subsequently were unable to recall. Semantic associates of cues served as targets and were studied during the original and interpolated study phases of a retroactive…

There is disagreement within both linguistics and psycholinguistics concerning the use of unaccented third person pronouns to refer to implicit referents. Some researchers (e.g., Erku & Gundel, 1987) argue that it is impossible or highly marked, while others (e.g., Yule, 1982) maintain that it is not only acceptable but commonly used in normal…