Powerpoint on Lecture 5. Semantics
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This document provides examples and definitions of different types of figurative language and semantic concepts in linguistics. It discusses metaphors, similes, personification, idioms, synonyms and antonyms, homonyms, count and non-count nouns, proper and common nouns. It also defines deixis, pragmatics, and analytic and synthetic sentences. Shakespeare's insults and George Orwell's Newspeak are mentioned as examples. Orwell's six rules for writers are listed.
Powerpoint on Lecture 5. Semantics
- 2. Semantics: “Why do we have noses that run and feet that smell?” Author Unknown “Intoxicated? The word did not express it by a mile. He was oiled, boiled, fried, plastered, whiffled, sozzled, and blotto.” (P.G. Wodehouse, Meet Mr. Mulliner) “Language... has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone.” (Paul Tillich, American theologian and philosopher.)
- 3. Figurative Language Metaphor: Let’s go eat: I’m starving! Personification: The pale-faced moon Synesthesia: Her dress is really loud! Simile: Strong as a horse Metonymy: It’s time to pay Uncle Sam Idioms • Most common type of figurative language • Most difficult for foreign language learners Metaphors & Similes
- 4. Semantic Features: Our language is funny – a ‘fat chance’ and a ‘slim chance’ are the same thing.” (J. Gustav White) NYMS- are: Synonyms: small, little, tiny Antonyms: big-small; long-short Homonyms: Homophones: I need some flour for baking. This is a pretty flower. Homographs: We saw a rare bird in the Zoo. The steak is medium rare. Concrete OR Abstract A boy Hate Count OR Noncount A pen/s Snow Common OR Proper nouns A lake Lake Tahoe NOUNS CAN BE:
- 6. George Orwell and Newspeak The square in Barcelona renamed in Orwell's honour. George Orwell 1903-1950
- 7. Orwell’s six rules for writers: Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print. Never use a long word where a short one will do. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out. Never use the passive where you can use the active. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous. Newspeak PART 1 PART 2
- 8. Pragmatics The meaning can also be encoded in sentences. – Do it now! – Do it already! OR In context: Dear Professor M., I am very pleased to recommend Irving Smith to you. He is a model student. He is very punctual and dresses well. I have known him for three years, and he has been cooperative in every way. He is always very polite. Respectfully, Prof. N What Is Meaning?
- 9. Deixis A sign on the door: “will be back soon.” Deictic words can be Temporal: then, now, tomorrow, etc. Spacial: here, there, behind, etc. Personal: us, yours, mine, etc. (pronoun reference) Language Pragmatics
- 10. Analytic and Synthetic Sentences Analytic sentences: truth is derived from linguistic meaning A monk is a man. Friday comes after Thursday. Synthetic sentences: truth is based on the real- world facts, not on the linguistic meaning. Priests deliver sermons. Friday is the end of the week.