This is a kind of thesis: a unified semantic analysis for the Dutch noun soort, 'kind', in binominal constructions

Abstract

The Dutch noun 'soort', 'kind (of)', can have different interpretations in different binominal constructions. 'Dat soort X', 'that kind of X', always refers to a subclass of X, whereas 'een soort X', 'a kind of X', can refer to a (non-prototypical) subclass of X, or to something which resembles, but does not belong to the concept X. For example, a pencil is not 'a pen', but it is 'a kind of pen.' This thesis investigates whether it is possible to provide a unified semantic analysis for the Dutch noun 'soort', 'kind (of)', despite the different interpretations it can have. Are these different interpretations semantic or pragmatic in nature?