What is semantics?
The study of meaning in language
Semantics explores how meaning is constructed and understood.
Define connotation.
Feelings and ideas associated with words
Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Define denotation.
Dictionary meaning of a word
Denotation refers to the literal meaning without emotional associations.
What are the three types of connotations?
- Positive
- Negative
- Neutral
Connotations affect how words are perceived in context.
What does collocation refer to?
A relationship between words that frequently occur together
Examples include phrases like ‘make a decision’ or ‘strong coffee’.
In semantics, what is the signifier?
Sound image
The signifier is the form that a sign takes, such as a word or phrase.
In semantics, what is the signified?
Mental image
The signified is the concept or idea that the signifier refers to.
What is a referent in semantics?
Physical object
The referent is the actual thing in the real world that a word or phrase denotes.
What is the relationship between signifier and signified?
The signifier is the sound image, while the signified is the mental image
Together, they form the basis of meaning in language.
What does stylistic variation depend on?
- Social origin
- Geographic origin
- Position
- Activity engaged in
Stylistic variation refers to the changes in vocabulary, syntactic structures, and discourse structures based on context and situation.
What are the registers of language?
- Formal
- Standard
- Informal
Registers vary according to the context and the relationship between participants.
List the five variables that determine register.
- Field: subject matter of discourse
- Tenor: participants and their relationship
- Mode: channel of communication
- Context: place and situation
- Function: aim of communication
These variables help define the appropriate language use in different situations.
Why do we do Semantic Features Analysis?
- Comprehension strategy
- Helps identify key features of related words
- Aids in making distinctions among different groups of words
- Elicits important information
This strategy is beneficial for students to enhance their understanding of vocabulary.
Fill in the blank: Semantic Features Analysis is a comprehension strategy that helps students to identify key features associated with _______.
related words
It is a useful tool for distinguishing between different groups of words.
What are the characteristics of the word ‘Car’ in Semantic Features Analysis?
- Animate: No
- Human: No
- Female: No
This analysis helps categorize words based on specific features.
What are the characteristics of the word ‘Mother’ in Semantic Features Analysis?
- Animate: Yes
- Human: Yes
- Female: Yes
This analysis helps categorize words based on specific features.
What are the characteristics of the word ‘Leopard’ in Semantic Features Analysis?
- Animate: Yes
- Human: No
- Female: No
This analysis helps categorize words based on specific features.
In the sentence ‘The boy kicked the ball’, what role does boy fulfill?
Agent
The Agent is the entity that performs the action.
In the sentence ‘The boy kicked the ball’, what role does ball fulfill?
Theme
The Theme is the entity that undergoes the action.
What is the role of an entity that undergoes a change in state?
Patient
The Patient is affected by the action and experiences a change.
What is the role of an entity for whose benefit the action is performed?
Beneficiary
The Beneficiary receives the benefit of the action.
Who is referred to as the Experiencer in semantic roles?
One who perceives something
The Experiencer is the entity that experiences or perceives an event.
What is the role of an entity or tool used to perform an action?
Instrument
The Instrument is the means by which an action is carried out.
What does the Location role signify in semantic roles?
The place where the action happens
The Location indicates the setting of the action.
