We propose to use the visual denotations of linguistic expressions (i.e. the set of images they describe) to define novel denotational similarity metrics, which we show to be at least as beneficial as distributional similarities for two tasks that require semantic inference. To compute these denotational similarities, we construct a denotation graph, i.e. a subsumption hierarchy over constituen...

Word Semantics is gaining increasing importance within linguistics. Due to the fact that both, formal and operational means have been devised to analyse and represent word connotation and/or denotation adequately, this paper discusses some of the empirical problems connected with natural languages’ essentially varying and vague meanings, how these can be analysed statistically from discourse da...

(2) a. Sentences are composed by putting their constituents together step by step, with no subsequent rearrangement; b. Not only each lexical item but also each rule of composition is assigned an explicit interpretation; c. Interpretation is given in terms of model theory: the denotation conditions of expressions are defined relative to a mathematical construct which, loosely speaking, models t...

We present a model for adaptive visual language communication based on eye gaze pattern and facial expression analysis. In our approach each basic visual sign can adapt its appearance and level of detail during the communication process. Atomic Communication Units (ACUs) – analogous to graphical output primitives encapsulate the intended denotation, the encoding of the message and a method for ...

Exhaustification is a strengthening of the denotation of a sentence. Interpreting (1-a) exhaustively with respect to the background predicate came to the party, the hearer concludes that Mary did not come (strong exhaustification).1 The exhaustive interpretation of (1-b) with respect to the background predicate stars on the right side, augments the standard interpretation by concluding that all...

In this paper I present a game model for the semantical analysis of handshake circuits. I show how the model captures effectively the composition of circuits in an associative way. Then I build a compact-closed category of handshake games and handshake strategies. I then consider the language Tangram and I define a semantics for this language simply by giving a denotation in the model to each h...

This study will consider the semantic behavior of the temporal negators not yet and never in English. In this paper, I show that not yet, by default, uses the stereotypical intervals connected with certain events to determine the time span of its negation, while never systematically ignores these stereotypical intervals. I show that in order to correctly distinguish between these two lexical it...

According to G. Leech’s classification of meaning, the denotative meaning of a word is different from its connotative one. The denotation of a linguistic sign may be the same in different languages, but their connotations may be quite different. The paper makes a contrastive analysis of the connotative meaning of linguistic signs in English and Chinese, such as Color terms, Kinship terms, Anima...