Abstract
We present two experiments that probe so-called variation effects of
modified numerals that appear in the scope of a universal quantifier (Geurts &
Nouwen 2007; Büring 2008). For example, Every street was guarded by at least
three policemen suggests that not every street was guarded by the same number of
policemen. This kind of variation is similar to inferences observed with epistemic
indefinites. We show, however, that indefinites and modified numerals must differ
with respect to the underlying mechanism, or, more specifically, with respect to the
structure of the set of alternatives that determines the pragmatic inferences. Results
from our experiments indicate that the variation effects of modified numerals include
the inference of a witness for the lowest number compatible with the modified
numeral. We found the same effects for at least as for more than, but the inferences
are weaker for the latter.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of 25th Semantics and Linguistic Theory Conference |
Editors | S. D'Antonio, M. Moroney, C.R. Little |
Pages | 533-549 |
Number of pages | 17 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Event | Semantics and Linguistic Theory (SALT) - Stanford University, Stanford, United States Duration: 15 May 2015 → 17 May 2015 |
Conference
Conference | Semantics and Linguistic Theory (SALT) |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | Stanford |
Period | 15/05/15 → 17/05/15 |