2.5 Semantics Flashcards
Semantics
The study of words and their meanings
Formal Semantics
A very mathematical theory that strives to understand meanings of words by forming exact mathematical principles and ideals that speaks and writers can use. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HOW LANGUAGE FORMS AND THE WORLD IT FORMS IN TO UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE CREATE MEANINGFUL DISCOURSES.
Lexical Semantics
A theory that the meaning of a word is understood by looking at its context. THIS THEORY PROMOTES THE ANALYSIS OF HOW WORDS AND PHRASES PLAY OFF EACH OTHER TO BUILD MEANING.
Conceptual Semantics
A theory that highlights the importance of the internal structure of words. Best way to understand meaning of a word is to look at the word itself and its internal structure.
Denotation
Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word.
Connotation
Connotation refers to the implied meaning that a word often has because the word is used to describe something beyond its denotation.
Literal language
When a speaker or writer describes exactly what they mean.
Figurative Language
When a speaker or a writer builds meaning that goes beyond literal meaning.
Types of Figurative Language
Metaphor, simile, personification, irony, symbolism.
Synonymy
Synonyms: ‘sameness of meaning’ - they represent detail and specificity in the English language.
Hyponymy
Hyponym: ‘inclusion of meaning’ - refers to words that belong in groups, e.g. fork is a hyponym of silverware.
Antonymy
Antonym: ‘oppositeness of meaning’ - opposite meaning of a word, e.g. hot and cold.
Incompatibility
Incompatibility: ‘mutual exclusiveness within the same subordinate category’ - e.g. cats and dogs are mutually exclusive but are both animals.
Homonymy
Homonym: ‘when two words sound the same but have different meanings’ - e.g. ‘there’, ‘their’ or ‘they’re’.
Polysemy
Polysemy: ‘a word that has more than one meaning’ = e.g. ‘close’ meaning near or to shut.
