* Signs (words, symbols, images, etc.)
* Concepts (ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc.)
* Referents (objects, people, events, etc.)
Here's a breakdown of how semantics works:
1. Levels of Meaning:
* Lexical Semantics: Focuses on the meaning of individual words, their synonyms, antonyms, and other relationships.
* Phrasal Semantics: Examines the meaning of phrases and how the meaning of individual words combines to create the meaning of a phrase.
* Sentential Semantics: Deals with the meaning of sentences, including how the meaning of individual words and phrases combine to create the meaning of the sentence.
* Discourse Semantics: Studies the meaning of larger units of text, such as paragraphs, stories, or conversations.
2. Types of Meaning:
* Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word or phrase.
* Connotation: The emotional, social, or cultural associations attached to a word or phrase.
* Implicature: The unspoken or unsaid meaning that is inferred from a statement.
* Presupposition: The underlying assumption that is taken for granted in a statement.
3. How Semantics Works:
* Compositionality: The meaning of a sentence is determined by the meaning of its individual words and their grammatical relationships.
* Context: The meaning of a word or phrase can be influenced by the context in which it is used.
* Ambiguity: Words and phrases can have multiple meanings, which can lead to ambiguity in communication.
* Vagueness: Words and phrases can have imprecise meanings, which can make communication less clear.
In simpler terms:
Semantics helps us understand how language works by explaining how words, phrases, and sentences connect to concepts and the real world. It's like a map that helps us navigate the complex world of meaning.
Examples of Semantic Questions:
* What is the meaning of the word "love"?
* What is the difference in meaning between "happy" and "joyful"?
* How does the meaning of "bank" change depending on the context?
* What is the implied meaning of the sentence "I'm going to the bank"?
Semantics is a fascinating and important field that plays a crucial role in our ability to communicate effectively.