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Linguistics: Frameworks > Lexis And Semantics > Flashcards

Lexis And Semantics Flashcards

1
Q

What is the study of lexis and semantics focused on?

A

The vocabulary system of English

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2
Q

Define denotative meaning.

A

The literal, dictionary definition of a word

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3
Q

Define connotative meaning.

A

The emotional or cultural association with a word

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4
Q

What are signifiers in semiotics?

A

Words that represent or signify ideas

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5
Q

What is a metaphor?

A

A figure of speech that describes something by comparing it to something else

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6
Q

What are semantic fields?

A

Groups of words related in meaning

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7
Q

What are synonyms?

A

Words that have similar meanings

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8
Q

What are antonyms?

A

Words that have opposite meanings

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9
Q

Define hypernyms.

A

Words that denote a general category

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10
Q

Define hyponyms.

A

Words that denote a specific instance of a category

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11
Q

What does the variation in vocabulary choices depend on?

A

Audience and purpose

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12
Q

What is meant by specialist registers?

A

Vocabulary specific to a particular profession or group

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13
Q

What are sociolects?

A

Variations in language use among different social groups

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14
Q

What do dialects reflect?

A

Variations according to group membership and geographical locality

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15
Q

How does text design reflect language use?

A

It shows variation between individuals, groups, communities, and nations

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16
Q

What are the processes through which new words are formed?

A
  • Blending
  • Compounding
  • Clipping
  • Forming acronyms
  • Forming initialisms
  • Creating eponyms
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17
Q

What is semantic narrowing?

A

When a word’s meaning becomes more specific over time

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18
Q

What is semantic broadening?

A

When a word’s meaning becomes more general over time

19
Q

What is amelioration?

A

When a word takes on a more positive meaning over time

20
Q

What is pejoration?

A

When a word takes on a more negative meaning over time

21
Q

What is semantic reclamation?

A

The process of taking back a word that has been used negatively and redefining it positively

22
Q

What are denotative and connotative meanings?

A

Denotative meanings are the literal meanings of words, while connotative meanings are the associated meanings.

23
Q

What is figurative language?

A

Language used in a non-literal way to describe something in another’s terms, such as simile or metaphor.

24
Q

Define semantic fields.

A

Groups of words connected by a shared field of reference, such as medicine or art.

25
Q

What are synonyms?

A

Words that have equivalent meanings.

26
Q

What are antonyms?

A

Words that have contrasting meanings.

27
Q

What are hypernyms?

A

Words that label categories, such as ‘animal’ which includes dog, cat, and rabbit.

28
Q

Define hyponyms.

A

Words that can be included in a larger, more general category, like car, bus, and aeroplane as forms of the hypernym transport.

29
Q

What are levels of formality?

A

Vocabulary styles including slang, colloquialisms, taboo, formal, and fixed levels.

30
Q

What is an occupational register?

A

A technical vocabulary associated with a particular occupation or activity.

31
Q

Define sociolect.

A

A language style associated with a particular social group.

32
Q

What is a dialect?

A

A language style associated with a particular geographical region.

33
Q

Fill in the blank: _______ refers to words that have equivalent meanings.

A

Synonyms

34
Q

Fill in the blank: _______ are words that label categories.

A

Hypernyms

35
Q

True or False: Hyponyms can include broader categories.

A

True

36
Q

True or False: Figurative language is used literally.

A

False

37
Q

What is neology?

A

The process of new word formation, including blends, compounds, acronyms, initialisms, and eponyms.

38
Q

What are the components of neology?

A
  • Blends
  • Compounds
  • Acronyms
  • Initialisms
  • Eponyms
39
Q

What is semantic change?

A

The process of words changing meaning.

40
Q

What are the types of semantic change?

A
  • Narrowing
  • Broadening
  • Amelioration
  • Pejoration
  • Semantic reclamation
41
Q

Fill in the blank: The process of new word formation is called _______.

A

[neology]

42
Q

True or False: Semantic change only involves the broadening of word meanings.

A

False

43
Q

Fill in the blank: In neology, a word formed by combining parts of two words is called a _______.

A

[blend]

Linguistics: Frameworks (12 decks)

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