Semantics in Linguistics

Semantics in Linguistics

1. Three levels of analysis

   • Sintax: is the study of how words can be combined into sentences
   • Semantics: is the study of meaning communicated through language.
     • Signification: creating and interpreting symbols
       • Signified
       • Signifier
   • Phonology: study of what sounds a language has and how these sounds combine to form.

2. Definitions theory: it would simply state that to give the meaning of linguistic expressions we should establish definitions of the meaning of words

   • Three challenges in doing Semantics
     • Circularity
       • Solution: metalanguage which describes the semantic units and rules of all languages.
     • What should we do if we find that speakers of a language differ in their understanding of what a word means?
     • Can we ever step outside language in order to describe it, or are we forever involved in circular definitions?

3. Propositions: are descriptions of states of affairs and which some writers see as a basic element of sentence meaning

4. Utterance: is created by speaking a piece of language.

   • Sentences: are abstract grammatical elements obtained from utterances.

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