Semantics

Semantics is the study of the meaning of words. Our linguistics writers will write research on any aspect of semantics you need. Even if it is just the study of one single word, our writers can help you understand semantics in a research paper.

The word semantic comes from the ancient Greek. Semantics relates to the meaning that is derived from words, phrases, symbols, and signs. To understand semantics is to understand a words meaning and it connotation in context. Sometimes the following assist in bringing meaning to semantics:

• Facial expressions
• Sounds
• Body language
• Expressions

Semantics can also include homonyms, synonyms, and antonyms of a word. Semantics requires readers not only to look at a words definition as listed in a dictionary, but also at the word's root, other ways the word is used, and connotations that go with the word. When looking at the semantics of a word or phrase a reader must also think about his or her own experience, and how the word relates to what they know from life.

There are several different Semantic theories. The first theory is Model theoretic semantics, which was founded by Richard Montague in the 1960's. Montague system was called lambda calculus. His theory explains that semantics provides meanings to words and phrases. Another theory is Formal semantics. This was founded by philosopher Donald Davidson and focused on the truth of different phrases. Lexical and conceptual semantics explains how different words have slightly different meanings. Lexical semantics looks at word meaning within the context of its usage. Computational semantics also focuses on looking at linguistic meaning of a word.

Phonological development is the phase where an individual begins to acquire the verbal language of their environment. As the individual begins to grasp the meaning of what is verbalized, semantics come into play. At this point a child would be able to hear something verbalized, mimic the verbalization, and understand what is meant by the verbalization.

When semantics are understood, an individual then begins to learn grammar. Grammar is the set rules that govern how language is structured, such as the usage of pronouns, sentence structure, etc. The final phase of language development involves pragmatics. Pragmatics allows an individual to examine the context in which language is used to achieve greater understanding. For instance, pragmatic knowledge allows an individual to ascertain whether or not a speaker is being sarcastic. The acquisition of language is complex, with many areas to be mastered. While these steps of language acquisition are acknowledged as necessary to language development, there are still many questions as to how people actually learn their native language.