NP coordination in underspecified scope representations

Abstract

Accurately capturing the quantifier scope behaviour of coordinated NPs can be problematic for underspecification systems that define constraints over semantic constructors. We present an extension to a hole-semantics like language that allows a natural representation of coordinated NPs, and a translation from partial scope requirements into constraints on the constructors. We conclude that the efficient decision procedures developed for constraints on semantic constructors enable the possible meanings of sentences containing coordinated NPs to be fully underspecified