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Definition of Semantics & Role in Language

📝 Semantics: The study of meaning in language, including how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning.

🎯 Role in Language: Helps in understanding word meanings, context, and how communication is interpreted.

Synonyms and Antonyms – Give Examples

✅ Synonyms (words with similar meanings): Happy – Joyful Big – Large

❌ Antonyms (words with opposite meanings): Hot – Cold Light – Dark

Definition of Semantics and General Semantics

📌 Semantics: Studies how language conveys meaning.

📌 General Semantics: Developed by Alfred Korzybski, it examines how language shapes human thought and behavior beyond just linguistic meaning.

5 Challenges in Intensional & Extensional Meaning

1⃣ Words can have multiple meanings in different contexts.

2⃣ Intensional meanings may not cover all real-world cases.

3⃣ Extensional meanings can change over time.

4⃣ Some words may lack clear extensional references (e.g., "unicorn").

5⃣ Cultural differences can affect how words are understood.

Analysis of Semantic Differences Across Cultures

🌎 Example: The word "politeness" may be expressed differently in cultures:

In Japan*, bowing shows politeness.

In America*, direct eye contact and a handshake are polite.

In Middle Eastern cultures*, politeness may involve using honorifics.

Role of Semantics in Resolving Misunderstandings

✔ Clarifies ambiguous meanings.

✔ Helps in cross-cultural communication.

✔ Reduces misinterpretations in conversations.

✔ Aids in avoiding conflicts caused by vague language.

✔ Enhances precise communication in legal, academic, and business settings.

5 Ambiguous Sentences – Give 2 Meanings

🔹 Sentence 3: "She hit the man with the book."

1⃣ She used a book to hit the man.

2⃣ She hit a man who was holding a book.

3 Levels in Hayakawa’s Trichotomy of Abstraction

📊 Levels of Abstraction

1⃣ High-level abstraction → Broad, general terms (e.g., "Animal")

2⃣ Mid-level abstraction → More specific (e.g., "Dog")

3⃣ Low-level abstraction → Most specific (e.g., "Golden Retriever")

How Trichotomy Helps Analyze the Impact of Language on Social Issue

✔ Helps identify vague or misleading statements.

✔ Clarifies misunderstandings caused by overgeneralization.

✔ Encourages precise communication in political, social, and media discussions. ✔ Reduces stereotyping and biases.

✔ Assists in critical thinking about how language influences perception.

5 Differences Between Intensional & Extensional Meaning (With Examples)

• Definition:

  • Intensional Meaning: Based on internal characteristics.

  • Extensional Meaning: Based on real-world examples.

• Focus:

  • Intensional: Conceptual attributes.

  • Extensional: Actual entities.

• Example:

  • Intensional: "Dog" → loyal, friendly.

  • Extensional: "Dog" → Labradors, Beagles.

• Abstract vs. Concrete:

  • Intensional: More abstract.

  • Extensional: More concrete.

• Application:

  • Intensional: Used in dictionary definitions.

  • Extensional: Used to refer to real objects.