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What Is the Role of Semantics in Language?

Laura Metz
Laura Metz

Semantics in language determines the relationship between signifiers and what they signify. Although images and body language can be included as signifiers in a wider study of semantics, linguistic semantics deals strictly with words and their meanings. Semantics is a subfield of linguistics specializing in the study of meaning.

For students of semantics in language, signifiers have multiple levels of meaning. The simplest level, also known as the first order of signification, is the denotation of a word. Denotation refers to a strictly literal understanding, and the object referred to is known as the denotata. For example, the noun phrase “brown bear” signifies a large omnivorous mammal known scientifically as the ursus arctos.

Semantics include connotations, such as connecting fear and panic to the term "brown bear."
Semantics include connotations, such as connecting fear and panic to the term "brown bear."

Various cultural or emotional meanings attached to a word provide one or more deeper levels of meaning. These subjective meanings are known as connotations. For example, a camper might hear “brown bear” with a connotation of fear and panic. On the other hand, “brown bear” might mean friendship, comfort, and security for a child who plays and sleeps with a stuffed animal.

Body language can be included as a signifier in discussions of semantics.
Body language can be included as a signifier in discussions of semantics.

The field of formal semantics, or model theoretic semantics, was pioneered by philosopher and mathematician Richard Montague in the mid twentieth century. Montague showed how all sentences could be broken down into subjects and predicates. These parts could be compared to mathematical concepts, particularly those in the branch of mathematics called typed lambda calculi, in order to evaluate its meaning. This theory is also known as Montague grammar.

Semantics might look at the use of emoticons in everyday conversation.
Semantics might look at the use of emoticons in everyday conversation.

Although Montague’s theory of semantics in language is one of the first and most commonly accepted, various philosophers have created other systems. For example, the theory of truth-conditional semantics was developed by Donald Davidson shortly after Montague published his work on formal semantics. Truth-conditional semantics evaluates the truth of a sentence by looking to specific, real world examples. Other theories include conceptual, lexical, and computational semantics.

Semantics is the study of the meanings behind words and phrases.
Semantics is the study of the meanings behind words and phrases.

Those who are not linguistic experts can still see the effect of semantics in language in the form of a semantic dispute. A semantic dispute is a disagreement over the meaning of a word. Spouses might argue over purchases but actually be arguing over the definition of cheap, expensive, or reasonable. Semantic disputes can range from ridiculous to nationally significant. Many court cases have been judged over the meaning of legal phrases, such as “cruel and unusual punishment” and “separate but equal.”

Discussion Comments

ysmina

There has been a debate on semantics for sometime now on whether semantics in language is inborn or whether it's learned. Although semantics can vary based on language and culture, it seems to be something that's inborn. It's something we understand without consciously thinking about it or trying.

Semantics in language shouldn't be confused with semantics in computer language, used in programming. That's a whole different field and it's mostly about teaching computers to do various things when certain programming languages are used. The underlying idea is similar, but works differently than it does in humans.

ddljohn

@candyquilt-- A signifier is basically a linguistic sign. What I mean by that is any symbol, gesture or sound that has a meaning. So if we are to talk about the examples here, a smiley face is a symbol for happiness. If someone rolls their eyes while you speak, that's a sign that they are annoyed with you. Semantics is the study of signifiers and what they stand for. Why does a smiley face mean happiness? How do we tell when someone is upset with us? How do we infer these meanings. And how do people understand the same signifiers differently?

This is the basis of this concept. You can think of it as understanding how people express themselves -- through language, gestures, symbols, etc.

candyquilt

We are studying this concept in class this week. I've listened to the lecture but I'm still a little confused. I'm not sure what a signifier is, so I'm having difficulty understanding how signifiers relate to one another. Are we talking about symbolism or inferring meanings from unspoken communication?

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    • Semantics include connotations, such as connecting fear and panic to the term "brown bear."
      By: byrdyak
      Semantics include connotations, such as connecting fear and panic to the term "brown bear."
    • Body language can be included as a signifier in discussions of semantics.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Body language can be included as a signifier in discussions of semantics.
    • Semantics might look at the use of emoticons in everyday conversation.
      By: Nomad_Soul
      Semantics might look at the use of emoticons in everyday conversation.
    • Semantics is the study of the meanings behind words and phrases.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Semantics is the study of the meanings behind words and phrases.
    • Studying semantics can help a person understand why people react the way they do to certain phrases.
      By: Monkey Business
      Studying semantics can help a person understand why people react the way they do to certain phrases.