Paychecks, Presupposition, and Dependent Types

Abstract

This paper proposes an analysis of paycheck sentences in the framework of Dependent Type Semantics. We account for the anaphora resolution of paycheck pronouns by using dependent function types in dependent type theory. We argue that the presupposition of the possessive NP provides a function that contributes to the paycheck reading. The proposed analysis provides a uniform treatment of paycheck pronouns and standard referential pronouns, without introducing additional formal mechanisms to the system.