Article published in:
Experimental Pragmatics/SemanticsEdited by Jörg Meibauer and Markus Steinbach
[Linguistik Aktuell/Linguistics Today 175] 2011
► pp. 129–150
Numerals and scalar implicatures
Daniele Panizza | University of Trento
Gennaro Chierchia | Harvard University
In this paper we explore the relation between the meaning of number denoting determiners (‘numerals’) and the polarity of the context in which they occur. We claim that when numerals are embedded in positive (i.e. Upward Entailing) contexts they are given an upper bounded (‘exactly’) reading more often than when they are embedded in minimally different Downward Entailing contexts. Since this corresponds to the behavior of scalar triggers, we suggest that the stronger interpretation of a numeral is really due to a Scalar Implicature. We review the outcome of two experiments, a questionnaire and a reading task where eye movements were recorded, which tested this claim empirically. Finally, we discuss these findings in light of the current approaches on the semantics of numerals, analyzing in detail the relation between the meaning of a numeral and scalar strenghtening.
Published online: 14 April 2011
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.175.07pan
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.175.07pan
Cited by
Cited by other publications
Shetreet, Einat, Gennaro Chierchia & Nadine Gaab
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 25 december 2020. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.