(Lecture-25), Origin, Meaning, Definitions and Types of Semantics

Semantics is the study of meaning in language. It investigates how words, phrases, sentences, and other symbols convey information and how that information is interpreted. ========= Chapters of video lesson: 00:00 Introduction 00:23 Origin of Semantics 00:52 General Meaning of Semantics 01:35 Definitions of Semantics 02:05 Types of Semantics 02:29 Lexical Semantics 04:11 Types of Lexical Semantics 04:42 Compositional Semantics 06:47 Types of Compositional Semantics 07:08 Contextual Semantics (Pragmatics) 10:25 Types of Pragmatics 10:52 Formal Semantics 12:46 Types of Formal Semantics ========= Important Links:    • Introduction to Linguistics      • Advanced Linguistics      • Sociolinguistics      • Morphology      • Psycholinguistics      • Corpus Linguistics      • Sociolinguistics      • Phonetics      • Syntax      • Word-Formation Processes      • History of Linguistics   ========= Origin of Semantics: The term "semantics" is derived from Greek word ‘semantikos’, meaning "significant" or "meaningful." Definitions of Semantics: • “Semantics is the study of how languages organize and express meanings.” by Charles W. Kreidler. • ‘Semantics is the study of literal, decontextualized, grammatical meaning.’ by David Frawley Types of Semantics: 1. Lexical Semantics 2. Compositional Semantics 3. Contextual Semantics 4. Formal Semantics 1. Lexical Semantics: It focuses on the meaning of individual words (lexemes) and their relationships. Examples: This room is big. The laptop is black. Types of Lexical Semantics: Synonymy, Antonymy, Hypernym, Hyponymy, Metonymy, Polysemy 2. Compositional Semantics: It studies how the meanings of individual words combine to form the meaning of larger units like phrases, clauses, and sentences. Examples: Old Sam sunbathed beside a stream. If you work hard you will pass. Types of Compositional Semantics: Phrasal semantics, Sentential Semantics 3. Contextual Semantics (Pragmatics): It is centrally concerned with contextual meaning. It studies how context influences the interpretation of meaning in communication. While Lexical semantics deals with the literal meaning of words and sentences in isolation (what the dictionary says), pragmatics deals with what a speaker means by an utterance in a specific situation. Examples: It’s cold in here. I feel thirsty. Types of Pragmatics: Conversational Pragmatics Speech Act Pragmatics Referential Pragmatics Discourse Pragmatics 4, Formal Semantics: It is the study of how linguistic expressions (such as words, phrases and sentences) can meaning logically and rationally. It studies meaning in language using the tools of logic, mathematics, and formal systems. It does not rely on intuition or cultural context for its meaning. Example: Every student read a book. Two meanings: Did every student read the same (one) book? Did every student read a book individually? Types of Formal Semantics Operational Semantics Denotational Semantics Axiomatic Semantics ========= Objective of Channel: The channel caters to the academic needs of those students who have opted for "English Language" and "English Literature" as their compulsory courses of studies at the 'Graduate' and 'Post Graduate' levels. The channel also provides the educational needs of students in Media, Economics, Computer and Medical sciences who have selected "English Language" as a mandatory course at the graduate level. It also offers valuable 'teaching resources' to university lecturers and professors. Utmost attention is paid to design lessons after extensive studies from diverse authentic sources. If you find the videos valuable, please do not forget to like, share and subscribe. Your engagement is crucial in the manner I conduct research and put forth efforts in preparing the lessons. Please support me by joining the channel if you find my content valuable and worthwhile. Your financial assistance will definitely help me stay focused and motivated. Thank you for being part of our learning community. Let’s achieve academic success together! =========