Lecture 11: Semantics III

In this class we covered the following, which are included in the notes for earlier classes

• Ways of talking about relations between objects in space: intrinsic, relative and absolute frames of reference; contrast between Tzeltal speakers from Tenejapa (absolute frame of reference bias) and speakers of English/Dutch (relative frame of reference bias) ... see notes at end of Lecture 10.
• Interaction between syntax and semantics: example of how semantics can be used to explain the impossibility of one kind of nominal passive (*"The respect of John by Mary") ... see notes at end of Lecture 9.