ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

Contextual explanation · NAV-G02-008

Anomaly

This explanation addresses the term in its originating context. It is not an additional canonical Atlas profile.

Explanation

Semantic anomaly here is a conspicuous combination that conflicts with expectations under an ordinary reading. Selectional restrictions concern, for example, the kinds of participants with which a predicate combines. Not every theory treats these expectations as rigid grammatical prohibitions; graded preferences are also possible. Analysis must therefore separate the ordinary reading, assumptions about the world and the actual context. An initially puzzling combination may become intelligible as personification. Describing its unusualness does not automatically diagnose a language error.

Movement of thought

1. Identify the conspicuous combination. 2. Specify the reading assumed. 3. State the expectation it conflicts with. 4. Consider contextual or figurative interpretation.

Example

Constructed: “The rock discusses the contract.” Under an ordinary reading, discusses does not fit an inanimate rock; a story with talking rocks allows an interpretation.

Counter-test

A false statement such as “All doors are open” is not semantically anomalous merely because it is false.

Scientific use case

An experiment could compare the acceptability of the same combination with and without a supporting narrative context.

Effect

The mismatch may prompt a search for another reading or context; its processing requires investigation.

Resonance

When a connection first fails, the expectation supporting it becomes visible.

Distinction

Distinguish semantic anomaly from ungrammaticality, falsity, logical contradiction and mere rarity.

Sources