英语语言学概论Chapter7Semantics(语义学)

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 What is semantics?

?Semantics is one of the sub-branches of linguistics; it is generally defined as the study of meaning.

7.1.2 Sub-branches of semantics

. John Lyons distinguishes between linguistic semantics and non-linguistic semantics

, Wen Qiufang makes a distinction between l exical semantics and sentence semantics the latter of which is also termed sentential semantics by some people.

7.2 meaning

7.2.1 Uncertainty of meaning

The words mean and meaning can be used in many different contexts and for different purposes in daily communication.

Even as a technical term, meaning is defined and used differently according to different theoretical approaches.

7.2.2 theories of meaning

John Lyons

1.The referential (or denotational theory) 指称说

2.the ideational, or mentalistic theory 意念说.

3.the behaviourist theory 行为反应说

4.the meaning-is-use theory 用法说

5.the verificationist theory验证说

6.the truth-conditional theory.真值说

Li Fuyuan Semantic triangular 语义三角理论

7.2.3 Basic concept related to meaning

Reference所指is the relation between the linguistic expression and the object in extra-linguistic reality to which the expression refers.

Denotation指称is a term which is intrinsically connected with reference

Referent is the object or state of affairs in extra-linguistic reality or a linguistic element to which the speaker or writer is referring by using a linguistic sign. Limitations

Sense意义the characteristic or quality of the object denoted by the linguistic expression. Denotes the relationship inside language.

Extension and intension

Extension is the class of entities to which a linguistic expression is correctly applied Intension is the set of defining properties which determines the applicability of a linguistic expression.

Concept is the result of human cognition,reflecting the objective world in human mind.

7.2.4 Types of meaning

Denotation and connotation 外延意义和内涵意义

The denotative meaning of a linguistic form is the person,object, abstract notion, event, or Mate which the word or sentence denotes.

We can say that the denotation of a linguistic expression is its dictionary meaning.

The main application of the term connotation is with reference to the emotional associations which are suggested by, or are part of the meaning of a linguistic unit, especially a lexical item.

Positive neutral negative (Wen Qiufang)

7.3

Lexical semantics is concerned with the meaning of lexical items.