Hardin, Karol J.Eichelberger, Julie2012-08-082012-08-082012-052012-08-08http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8426In 1981 Coleman and Kay asserted a semantic prototype to define the English word lie. Hardin (2010) and Cole (1996) both replicated Coleman and Kay’s analysis in Ecuador and Saudi Arabia respectively and analyzed whether or not there is a cross cultural similarity in the interpretation of lie. The following paper examines whether or not the Spanish word mentira or 'lie' in Madrid, Spain includes the same elements from Coleman and Kay’s prototype, and also offers a pragmatic explanation for some lies, specifically, social lies. Secondly, the present study explores possible pragmatic acquisition in a second language with regard to the interpretation of lie according to interlanguage pragmatics and the acculturation theory.en-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Pragmatics.Semantics.Spanish linguistics.ThesisWorldwide access