journal article
LitStream Collection
Semantic Reanalysis and Language Change
doi: 10.1111/j.1749-818X.2010.00260.xpmid: N/A
Reanalysis is a well‐known process of language change in morpho‐syntax. However, the semantic composition of sentence meanings can also undergo reanalysis and lead to meaning changes for parts of the sentence. The article provides the basic notions of compositional semantics/pragmatics that underlie semantic reanalysis, surveys possible constellations and causes of reanalysis, and contrasts the process to other ways of semantic change. I will, moreover, illustrate semantic reanalysis on basis of a case study which highlights some of its typical features.