On syntax, alternative semantics, and computation in coordination

This dissertation tackles various puzzles at the syntax-semantics interface in coordination. The first question is whether different readings of natural language conjunction, such as coordinate and subordinate interpretations, can be deduced from a unifying syntax-semantics. I explore the behavior of both types of coordinate structures and attribute their distinct properties to the difference in syntactic representations. The new approach does not solve all puzzles, but it challenges the power of the standard semantics of conjunctions. This challenge is then addressed by the second research question.;The second question is what is the appropriate semantics for natural language conjunctions. The traditional semantic approach assumes natural language conjunctions to be logical operators. However, it fails to capture various meanings of conjunctions and their scopal properties, asking for an alternative approach. I propose that natural language conjunction is a set forming operator and conjoined structures denote the set whose members are Hamblin alternatives created by the conjuncts. The new approach provides a better explanation of scope ambiguities in coordination. I further address this type of ambiguity in the third research question.;The third question is how to implement a solution to the mapping problem from a computational point of view. The problem is that ambiguities in natural language create possible readings which can grow exponentially. Enumerating such readings is an onerous task. A much more efficient solution is to use underspecified semantic representations within a Minimalist Grammars formalism.