semantics Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is Semantics?
Semantics is the study of meanings of words, phrases and sentences. It focuses more on literal meanings and looks more on denotation rather than connotation.
Example: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
What is semantics?
The study of word meaning and sentence meaning, abstracted away from context of use.
(Griffiths, 2006)
What is the systematic study of meaning in a language?
The systematic study of meaning in a language.
(Kreidler, 2006) & (Cutting, 2008)
What is denotation?
The literal meaning of a word.
What is connotation?
The implied or associated meaning of a word.
Provide an example of connotation.
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!
What is denotation?
It is the literal primary meaning of a word.
Examples: Blue - color, Dove - bird, Gardenia - flower
What is connotation?
It shows ideas or feelings that are used to define a word.
Examples: Blue - sadness, Dove - peace, freedom and love, Gardenia - purity and gentleness
What does ‘Sender’s Meaning’ refer to?
The sentence means what the author intended it to say.
What is the basic unit of meaning when speaking?
The basic unit of meaning is utterance.
What is the basic unit of meaning when writing?
The basic unit of meaning is sentence.
What is the study of how meaning is conveyed in communication?
Semantics is the study of how meaning is conveyed.
Provide an example of an exaggerated statement.
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
This illustrates hyperbole in language.
Who referenced the concept of communicative meaning?
According to Griffiths (2006), in a communicative context…
What is the minimum number of participants in a communicative exchange according to Griffiths (2006)?
At least two participants, also called interlocutors.
Who are the two participants in a communicative exchange?
Sender (speaker/writer) and Addressee (receiver of the message).
What does semantics-pragmatics study?
It studies how meaning is conveyed in communication.
Provide an example of a sentence that illustrates hyperbole.
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!
This sentence uses hyperbole to emphasize extreme hunger.
