Orientation in French Spatial Expressions: Formal Representations and Inferences
Michel Aurnague · Journal of Semantics · 1995
In this paper we propose several formal tools intended to grasp an important aspect of static localization in language, namely orientation. We consider French spatial expressions used in localizing an entity in an internal way (Internal Localization Nouns such ashaut(top),has(bottom), devant (front), derriere (back)) or in an external way (prepositions devant (in front of), derriere (behind), au-dessus de(above), au-dessous de (below)). In order to represent these orientation phenomena, we build a logical framework made up of three levels that we call geometrical, functional, and pragmatic. First, we define a geometry based on directions and relative localization operators. Then we introduce the functional notions that underly intrinsic orientation processes and we propose several formal definitions which may serve to represent the semantic content of the studied lexemes. These definitions allow us to make a difference between deictic and intrinsic uses of these spatial expressions and to draw interesting deductions and inferences. Finally, we integrate at the pragmatic level various principles governing the interpretation of such orientational expressions. By taking into account the different inferential schemata linked to the use of spatial expressions in discourse, this modular approach constitutes an original contribution to the semantic and cognitive studies of linguistic space.