Semantics
Introduction to Semantics:
Semantics is one of the most important branches of linguistics and it deals with the
interpretation and the meaning of word, Sentences (Structure and symbols). It constructs a
relationship between joining words and clarifies sense of sentence whether the meaning is
literal or figurative.
Origin:
Origin of word semantics is from the French word “semantique” Which is related to
connotation of word “semanio” Which means signify and word Sema means sign.
Nature and scope:
Semantics is the study of meanings of word in language or phrase. Every language is a
source of expression of meaningful ideas, which can be understood by others.
These ideas which exist in our mind are conveyed by spoken or written form of language
sometimes, it may be revealed through gestures and actions as well. The sound patterns of
language are studied in phonology and the organization of words in sentence is studied in
morphology and syntax, respectively. All these processes are of conveying and receiving
meaningful messages.
Meaning and languages:
Role of meaning in language: meaning defines language because it is internal function of
language. At the same time, Meaning does not exist unless in language and because of
language.
Language is nothing but the creation of meaning, Thus, it is essential, universal and
necessity for language to exist. At the same time meaning manifest itself in language.
Meaning is “The defining internal and original function of language” It is nothing but
contest of conscience.
In a nutshell we can say that meaning is something created when language is created.
On the other hand, the primary function of language is creation of meaning. Language is
used for specific external purpose, The most important of which is communication. Briefly
speaking that meaning and language are so well that either of them cannot be
separated from other, but question arises,
How language is arranged in order to be meaningful?
This is the question which asked an attempt to answer with the help of semantics.
Semantics is that level of linguistics where meaning is analyzed. It is the most obstruct level
of linguistics analysis since we cannot see and observe meaning as we can observe and
record sounds. Meaning is related to human capacity to think logically and to understand So
when we analyze meaning we try to analyze our own capacity to think and understand, also
our own ability to create meaning.
Thus, Symantec is related to significant or meaning. In other words, it deals with the
relationship between referent (name) and referend(thing).
Types of meanings
Conceptual:
It is literal meaning of word, A definition of word mentioned in dictionary. It is also known
as logical cognitive background and denotative meaning of word. It is considered to be
primary meaning and central factor in language.
Concept is the minimal unit of any meaning which could be called “sememe” as the
smallest unit of sound is called “Phoneme”.
EXAMPLE:
1. Literal definition of Home is where lives and its conceptual meanings encompasses
various emotions, comfort, security, and belonging. Home evokes memories,
personnel attachment, ETC.
2. Needle is the sharp instrument used in sewing.
It is based on two structural components.
Contrastive: The Meaning of language can be studied in term of comparing and
contrastive features depends on given lexical field.
Example:
The word woman could be specified as (human, adualt, female as) distinctive from
man which would be defined as human, adult, and male. Men is incomplete without women
which is distinctive feature.
Constituent structure: It deals with sentences rather than word. The second principle
is by which the longer units are built up out of smaller units.
Example:
{[(All) (Men)] [(are)(immortal)]}
We are able to analyze the sentence into its constituent parts.
Associative meaning: The word associative refers to imagination or emotional
suggestion connected with word. This is additional meaning a word carries. This is, apart
from a word’s logical or literal meaning, A further meaning attached to a word. In the real
word, such a word may be associated with some other features or attribute.
Example: Word needle leads to think of a “painful experience of being injected”, Rather
than its denotative meaning, when it utters it.
Types:
Connotative: This is the communicative value attributed to the expression over and
above its purely conceptual meaning.
Example:
The dog may have the (connotative) loyalty.
Social: Social meaning is related to situation in which it is used. This is meaning that word
or a phrase convey about the circumstance of it uses. A Meaning which is understood
according to different styles and situations.
Example:
Pavement is used in British English and sidewalk in American English, for same thing
but style and circumstances differ.
Affective meaning refers to the emotional tone or attitude conveyed by a word or phrase.
Example:
1. Emotions (E.G., happiness, sadness and anger)
2. Evolution (good, bad, beautiful)
3. Attitudes (For example Approval, Surprise me yeah select)
4. I love this cake. Love conveys positive emotional tone.
Reflective meaning refers to underlying implication or association that award or a phrase
evokes. Such as,
❖ Cultural association.
❖ Abstract concept.
❖ Personal experiences.
Example:
“Freedom” Might reflect our sense of liberty, empowerment, choice, etc.
Collocative meaning: In which award acquires the company of certain words.
Example:
Fast- food, Over-coat, Handsome boy, Pretty girl, Flashing Anthony and both handsome
and pretty are alike as they mean good looking but they differ in parents collocative
meaning. Pretty collocates with girl and handsome with boys and males etc.
Thematic meanings:
Thematic meaning is organized by a reader or speaker in terms of orders, Emphasize, And
focus.
Thus, Active and passive are different in communicative value but in different concept and
meaning.
Example:
• Mrs. smith denoted the first prize. (Active voice)
• The first prize is denoted by Mrs. smith. (Passive voice)
In the first sentence who gave the prize is more emphasized, but in second sentence
What was given is more focused. Thus, change of focus changes the meaning also.
