Semantics

Question 1

Semantics

Answer 1

Semantics subsystem examines the meaning of language. For language to serve a communicative function, every linguistic unit (morpheme, lexeme, phrase, sentence, discourse) must have an agreed-upon meaning.

Question 2

The relation of meaning and sign

Answer 2

A sign is made up of a sequence of phonemes (speech sounds) and graphemes (letters).

Question 3

Language as arbitrary (random)

Answer 3

sometimes connections can be made or patterns detected between a sound or group of sounds and meaning.

Question 4

Signifier

Answer 4

The physical existence

Sound, word, Image

Question 5

Signified

Answer 5

The mental concept

The meaning and purpose upholding the sign

Question 6

Sign

Answer 6

The object/thing

Question 7

What does it mean for words to belong to the same semantic field or semantic domain?

Answer 7

When lexemes can be grouped with others with interrelated meanings,

Question 8

Semantic over-generalisation

For example, ‘dinner’ might apply to multiple meal such as lunch, breakfast or a snack. OR the word ‘pen’ to multiple writing tools.

Answer 8

This happens because children perceive similarities in meaning within the categories of people, objects and actions.

Question 9

Etymology

Answer 9

The study of the origins of words and the historic development of their form and meaning

Question 10

Generalization of Meaning

Example:
Holiday
(original) holy day, a day of religious significance
(present) day of festivity or recreation

Answer 10

Generalization of Meaning
It is a process by which a word which originally had a
specialized meaning has now become generalized or
has extended to cover a broader concept.

Question 11

Narrowing; specialization; restriction

Example:
Glass: a cup-like container or a mirror
iron: device for smoothing clothes

Answer 11

semantic change by which the meaning of a word becomes less general or inclusive than its earlier meaning

Question 12

Elevation of Meaning (amelioration)

 Example:
 nice
-ignorant --- foolish --- delightful, pleasant
fond
-foolish --- affectionate
Terrific headache
awesome
Terrific party
-terrible---terrific

Answer 12

-It is the process by which words rise from humble
beginnings to positions of importance.
-Some words early in their history signify something quite
low or humble, but change to designate something
agreeable or pleasant.

Question 13

Degradation, degeneration, pejoration

Example:
sad
full, satisfied, contented —– calm —— serious
—-sorrowful

Answer 13

It is a process by which words with appreciatory or
neutral affective meaning fall into ill reputation or
come to be used in a derogatory sense.