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本研究旨在以模態語義論之角度分析隱喻的語言特性，並探討其在語言演化中的作用。作者認為，隱喻言語的發生通常預含有命名行為，即以現有之舊詞指命新的事物範疇，且這類以喻名事乃是自然類詞彙的基本命名方式。為探討自然類詞彙的語義特性，本研究首先藉回顧Kripke 及Putnam 有關經典論述，論述自然類詞彙的外延在其命名之初具有不可確定性，因而其本身就便於以譬喻的方式改變外延。其次作者批評兩家以語用角度研究隱喻的經典理論即Grice 即Davidson，指出其理論未能解決隱喻命題的真值問題。關於認知角度方面的理論，本研究亦批評Black 及Lakoff 等人的成果。作者論述，這類理論誇大隱喻的超語言功能，混淆了語義與一般認知的界限。最後，作者以模態語義理論中的二維語義框架界定隱喻的語義特性。 / This study approaches metaphor from the perspective of modal semantics, and aims at defending, clarifying, and constraining an intuitive idea of this linguistic phenomenon based on its instrumental function in language evolution. The central claim is that a metaphorical utterance characteristically presumes a naming ceremony under a conventional word for a new category. To understand the potential of metaphorical re-dubbing of conventional terms, I will firstly appeal to Kripke’s classic modal argument, and examine the semantic plasticity of natural kind terms, which are typically used as vehicles for metaphorical expressions. The work will proceed to defend the naming function of metaphor by criticizing the classic stance against semantic understanding of metaphor, namely the Pragmatist approach. Restricting the possibility of semantic discussion only to conventionalized vocabulary, the Pragmatists treat the extra message in metaphor either as a sort of conversational implicature (Grice) or speaker meaning (Searle), which is still expressible in conventional vocabulary, or as some kind of extra-linguistic force (Davidson). I will argue that the treatment of Grice and Searle fails to appreciate the categorical incompatibility lying behind metaphors, and thus fails to see that the meaning of metaphorical expressions is irreducible to conventional vocabulary. Moreover, all of the Pragmatists fail also to account for an apparent semantic behavior of metaphors, namely, their possible truth assumed by participants in conversations. I will then try to constrain the proper semantic understanding of metaphor by distinguishing it from the Cognitivist view represented by Black and Lakoff, which identifies the meaning of metaphors with the content resulted from various sorts of analogical cognition. I will argue that, theoretically speaking, analogical cognition is neither necessary nor sufficient in order for a metaphorical expression to be uttered. The final portion of this work will be devoted to developing a two-dimensional framework to capture the modal relation between the meanings of an expression token under metaphorical and conventional interpretations, respectively. In doing so, this work will also criticize a current view represented by Stern, which, by treating metaphors as a special sort of indexical expressions, also fails to explain the evolutional function of metaphor. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Deng, Yangzhou. / Thesis (Ph.D.) Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2014. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-98). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Deng, Yangzhou.

This thesis delineates the boundaries of theories of naming, placing particular emphasis on the demarcation of the semantic function of referring expressions from the pragmatics of referential usage. The need for such emphasis derives from frequent confusions in work on singular reference where pragmatic phenomena are used to refute semantic theories and vice versa. Part One of the thesis examines various conceptions of the semantic function of names. Frege's notion of 'Sinn' is shown to be incoherent as are its reincarnations by modern, neo-Fregean commentators: a more modest role for sense is suggested. Kripke's intuitions about scope-insensitivity in modal contexts are amplified and criticised. An investigation of singular thought yields a discussion of Evans 1 views and the removal of the apparent impasse that substitutevity failure causes for Millian theories. Part Two of the thesis concentrates on the mechanism of namereference, which works by connecting a contemporary use of a name via a causal umbilicus to some (or no) supposed referent. A number of anomalies are examined, from which the notion of a name-using practice and an elucidation of the criteria in virtue of which we judge a term to be a name are developed. In Part Three of the thesis the artificial super imposition of logical structure onto natural language is explored. The argument hinges on a plausible generalization of Donnellan's referentialattributive distinction. From this there emerges a picture of the complex network of intentions that surround the referring process. The role of definite descriptions in grounding the use of names is explained. Both the semantic and pragmatic pictures of name-reference are applied to the perennial puzzles of substitutivity failure and existential statements. The results underline the fact that a great deal of work needs to be done by those who subscribe to the growing orthodoxy of Millian theories, but that this is work in pragmatic areas that are too often ignored by those studying 'pure' semantics.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Santa Cruz, 1997. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 137-144).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 304-332).

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree B.A. Honours in the Department of African Languages at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 1988. / Naming among Black people results from specific events that have taken place prior or after a certain occurence, for instance, some places and personal names, are named after some historical events and family matters that has taken place. The main aim in this research paper is to get and follow some few aspects that are used and considered by people in this area when naming things such as places, persons, praises, howesteads, drifts and other living and non-living things.

Thesis (M.A.) --University of Limpopo, 2010 / The aim of this research is to analyse personal naming pertaining to the Bapedi of Moletjie, Limpopo Province. The study has indicated that personal naming is regarded as a very serious matter among the Bapedi of Moletjie; and is in most instances influenced by the context that prevails during the birth of children. Thus, names are given to children taking into account issues such as status, marital wealth, health, biological and social relationships, nature, and the environment. The study concludes by indicating that naming is part and parcel of human existence and is thus going to be with us forever.

In order to discover the semantic implications involved in advertising in general, the present study is confined to an investigation of the names of perfumes and lipsticks, taken as representative of the broader field.

Naming is a very important tool used among various African cultures to convey certain messages, either to an individual, family members or a community. Naming of various objects is linked with the socio-political factors of countries where anthroponyms and toponyms are found. It is for this reason that onomastics (the study of names) can never be isolated from studying the dynamics of various societies, the behaviour and the psychology of different individuals. While names can unite communities, they can also serve as a dividing tool in various communities. It is from names that one can learn the various cultures that have been present in a particular place, and have an understanding and the appreciation of the history of a place. Onomastics is multidisciplinary in nature. It can be approached from different perspectives. These include linguistic, historical, sociological, philosophical, economical and other perspectives. Chapter two focuses on the linguistic and semantic aspects of names. It explores onomastic definitions and the comparison between the meaning of Euro-western and African names. In Chapter two an argument is presented on the morphological structure of Zulu and/or Xhosa names for boys and girls. In this Chapter the orthography of place names is also discussed. The importance of standardising names for purposes of having one name for one entity and asserting the country's history and heritage cannot be overemphasised. As indicated above that onomastics can also be approached from a historic approach, Chapter 3 looks at the changing political scenario in South Africa that has had an impact on the culture of indigenous people, their identity and the existence of Euro-western names among them. The arrival of white people in South Africa contaminated the indigenous culture and the African belief systems. The traditional belief system of the indigenous people is discussed in Chapter three together with the advent of Christianity. Chapter four looks at the sociological approach in onomastics. Names of any nature exist in a society. These names reflect the social dynamics of the societies where they are found. The society plays a major role in influencing the choice of names given to individuals and entities. These names have different functions in societies. The different functions that names have in various communities are also discussed. In Chapter four the significance of anthroponyms and toponyms is discussed. Various types of names are also looked at. Political changes witnessed in the country play a major role in transforming the country whether economically, culturally or socially. The impact of political changes and the attitudes of South Africans towards name changes are discussed in Chapter five. President Thabo Mbeki's call for an African renaissance came at the time when South Africa attained its independence. The adoption of African names was on the increase during this period. Chapter six looks at the link between changing naming patterns and the African renaissance. As an African renaissance calls for the rebirth of African culture and ways of living, xenophobic attitudes among Africans are examined. It is argued that Africa's rebirth is dependant on various issues including the respect and value that Africans give each other. Onomastics, as mentioned above can be studied using different approaches, however the limitedness of this study prevents discussion on all approaches. Onomastics is a relatively new field in South Africa, however its multidisciplinary nature and the abundance of data, invites more studies to be conducted. Chapter seven makes recommendations on some of the onomastic studies that may be conducted in future. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

Zugl.: Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Kath. Universiẗat, Habil.-Schr., 2003/2004.