Subject Code CBS6833

Subject Title Lexical Semantics and Ontology

Credit Value 3

Level 6

Pre-requisite / Nil
Co-requisite/
Exclusion

Objectives The study of how concepts are structured for knowledge

representation and how they are conventionalized for linguistic
representation hold keys to the understanding of how knowledge is
formulated by language and shared by human. The two related fields
studying these issues are ontology with focus on shared conceptual-
knowledge structure and lexical semantics on how concepts are
linguistically conventionalized and structured. The course aims to
lay foundation for the study of ontology and lexical semantics as
well as explore common research issues of these two fields.

Intended Learning Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
Outcomes
a. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of current
theories underpinning the study of language
b. Develop abilities to do independent research in the fields
of linguistics
c. Develop competence to bridge theories with empirical findings
in the fields of linguistics
d. Master the skills in writing research findings in compliance
with the appropriate style and academic conventions

Subject Synopsis/ 1. ontology with focus on shared conceptual-knowledge structure

Indicative Syllabus 2. lexical semantics on how concepts are
linguistically conventionalized and structured

Teaching/Learning Students give presentations of their assigned readings, followed

Methodology by comments from the instructor and fellow students, as well as
class discussions over the relevant topics. Various examples,
concepts, theories will be explained and discussed during
classroom times

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Assessment
Methods in Specific assessment % Intended subject learning
Alignment with methods/tasks weight outcomes to be assessed
Intended Learning (Please tick as appropriate)
Outcomes
a b c d
1. Class paper presentation 20%   
and overall contribution
to the class
2. At least two oral 20%   
presentations (one on
literature and the other
on his/her own research)
3. A final paper 60%    
(5000+English words)

Total 100%

The assessments cover all intended learning outcomes; they will

enable students to acquire the critical analysis skills for future
independent research in this area.

Student Study Class contact

Effort Expected
 Instructor – 3hours per week 39 Hrs.
Other student study effort
 Reading + assignment 126 Hrs.
Total student study effort 165 Hrs.

Reading List and Huang, Chu-Ren, Nicoletta Calzolari, Aldo Gangemi, Alessandro
References Lenci, Alessandro Oltramari and Lauren Prévot. 2010. (Eds.)
Ontology and the Lexicon. Cambridge Studies in Natural
Language Processing. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Maienborn, Claudia, von Heusinger Klaus and Portner. 2011. (Eds.)

Semantics: An Introduction Handbook of Natural Language
Meaning. Volume 1. De Gruyter Mouton

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