ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-NAV-G05-028 · ATLAS 259

Type shifting

Type shifting in formal semantics is an operation mapping an expression from one semantic type to another or enabling a correspondingly adjusted interpretation.

Part of the subject path Semantics and Signs

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

A · Analytical concept R1 · Distinct contribution to understanding

Type shifting explains adjusted interpretation through semantic type conversion rather than arbitrary meaning change. The formal-semantic framework and licensed operation must be explicit.

Colours and admission grounds

The rectangular label identifies the entry function: F – linguistic figure or procedure; A – analytical concept; G – foundational concept; E – selected concrete case. The rounded badge indicates the admission ground: R1 – distinctive contribution; R2 – necessary foundation; R3 – justified illustrative case. This editorial rationale explains the current selection rather than claiming an undocumented original selection history.

Explanation

Type shifting in formal semantics is an operation mapping an expression from one semantic type to another or enabling a correspondingly adjusted interpretation. The types and rules assumed depend on the theoretical model. In coercion contexts, such an adjustment can help explain how an entity-denoting expression is understood in an event-related construction. Coercion and type shifting are nevertheless not coextensive in every theory: some type operations belong to ordinary composition without an apparent meaning conflict. The German label Typverschiebung is used here as a variant of Typenverschiebung.

Movement of thought

1. Identify the type requirement. 2. State the initial interpretation. 3. Formulate the proposed operation. 4. Examine contextual constraints. 5. Compare alternative analyses.

Scientific use case

Semantics can test competing composition models against the same interpretations.

Example

“Mira began the book” can be understood as beginning to read or write it; the available event interpretation depends on context.

Counterexample

A metaphorical reading is not automatically a formal type operation without further analysis.

Distinction

Distinguish type shifting from every instance of coercion, arbitrary reinterpretation and word-class change.

Effect on thought and perception

Type shifting makes interpretive adjustments available for modelling.

Resonance

A form remains while its role in the combination changes.

Provenance

Parallel corpus 98f0950771ae4662f291d2f15f5c51b6797f3c20ba458a68615cdb177002ea18; case-bounded source review accepted; human specialist review not claimed.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Type shifting“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G05-028. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G05-028

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G05-028

The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.