Hidden Layers of Language: Reference, Presupposition, and Implicature

In this class, students will explore how we interpret meaning in language through three key topics: reference and inference, presupposition and entailment, and cooperation and implicature. Each session is focused on one topic, combining short presentations, guided exercises, and discussions to actively engage students.

The class is structured in a seminar-style format. I use slides, real-world examples, and short video clips to introduce concepts, followed by group discussions and problem-solving activities to deepen understanding. Students will interact with me directly throughout each session by asking and answering questions, sharing their ideas, and working collaboratively on exercises.

My teaching style is interactive and engaging—I encourage active participation, critical thinking, and curiosity. Whether we’re analyzing sentences, decoding conversational cues, or discussing examples from movies or everyday life, students will have plenty of opportunities to practice and apply what they learn. This class is designed to be fun, thought-provoking, and hands-on.