Linguistics: Word Boundaries and Orthographic Practices

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Questions and Answers

What is a common scenario where a meaning-bearing unit is considered part of a word by one speaker but written as a separate word by another speaker?

When speakers have different grammatical structures for the same sentence

When speakers of the same language have different dialects

When speakers of the same language have different writing practices (correct)

When speakers of different languages have different literacy traditions

What is an example of a longstanding tradition of literacy that shows a change in orthographic practice?

The transition from Ancient Greek to Modern Greek (correct)

The adaptation of Latin to various Romance languages

The development of English from Old English to Modern English

The evolution of German spelling rules from 1998 to present

What is a boundary case where meanings seem to stand on several different grammatical units?

Morpheme structure

Phonological variation

Sound symbolism (correct)

Semantic ambiguity

What is a result of the reform of German spelling rules in 1998?

Strikingly different word divisions Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge in determining the level of grammatical structure to attribute a meaning to?

Determining the correct grammatical unit for a meaning Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept referred to as the existence of semi-systematic correspondences between certain sounds and certain meanings?

Iconicity Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of idioms according to the text?

Their overall meaning is not the same as the combined meaning of the individual parts Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what are the two ways to consider a definition?

As a sort of summation of the essence or inherent nature of a thing and as a description of the meaning of the word Signup and view all the answers

What is the method of defining words by pointing out the objects which they denote?

Definition by ostension Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatise where Aristotle discusses the concept of definition?

Posterior Analytics Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of using ostensive definition for certain lexical categories?

It cannot be used for verbs, adjectives, and prepositions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem with using synonyms to define a word?

The synonyms may not have the same meaning as the original word. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a synonym for the word 'angry'?

Furious Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the metalanguage word proposed as the definition?

Definiens Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a Warlpiri synonym for the word 'angry'?

Kulu Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a dictionary in a semasiological approach?

To list words and their meanings Signup and view all the answers

What is the challenge in determining what counts as a lexeme in an unfamiliar language?

The language has a fluid practice of word division Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a 'word' in languages with a well-established tradition of literacy?

A unit of meaning that is surrounded by spaces in standard orthography Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a dictionary and a thesaurus?

A dictionary gives access to meanings through words, while a thesaurus gives access to words through meanings Signup and view all the answers

What is the level of linguistic structure that is often ambiguous in attributing meaning?

Grammatical level Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between dictionary-writing and linguistic semantics according to Landau?

Dictionary-writing is a practical exercise, while linguistic semantics is a theoretical exercise. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way that language exists according to the dictionary model?

As a collection of impressions stored in the brain of each individual. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of dictionary-writing, according to Landau?

To put together a book that people can understand. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between language and the individual according to the dictionary model?

Language is a shared resource that exists independently of the individual. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of linguistic semantics, according to the text?

The meanings of words and their relationships to each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary task of linguistic semantics according to the common assumption?

To specify the stored meaning representation associated with each lexeme in the mental lexicon Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a word-based and meaning-based approach to definition?

The starting point for specifying meaning Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the speaker/writer in accessing 'words' according to the common assumption?

To map ideas onto stored meaning representations in the mental lexicon Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a word-based approach to definition?

A specification of the stored meaning representation associated with each lexeme Signup and view all the answers

What is the task of the listener/reader according to the common assumption?

To map portions of the linguistic signal onto stored neurosensory traces in the mental lexicon Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the store of words and associated meanings in long-term memory?

Mental lexicon Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the onomasiological approach to definition?

Particular meanings Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical starting point for a semasiological approach to definition?

A language's individual lexemes Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of an onomasiological approach to definition?

A list of various forms available in the language for a particular meaning Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the stored meaning representations in the mental lexicon?

To associate with stable word forms Signup and view all the answers

What is a key circumstance under which explicit definitions are typically required in ordinary language use?

To resolve confusions and clarify word meanings Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the relationship between concepts and word meanings?

Concepts correspond to word meanings Signup and view all the answers

What type of terms, like 'murder' or 'contract', require clear definitions?

Juridical terms Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a nominal definition?

Defining 'water' as H2O Signup and view all the answers

In what field is the role of definition particularly crucial?

Science and technology Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their definitions:

Idioms = Non-compositional phrases whose overall meaning is not the same as the combined meaning of the individual parts Ostensive definition = Defining a word by pointing out the objects which they denote Nominal definition = A description of the meaning of the word which denotes a thing Semasiological approach = Focusing on the meaning of words and phrases Signup and view all the answers

Match the following scientific terminology with their meanings:

Onomasiological approach = Focusing on the concept or thing being referred to Semantics = The study of meaning in language Lexeme = A unit of meaning in language Linguistic consistency = The relationship between sounds and meanings in language Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their types of definitions:

Definition by ostension = A definition that points out the objects which they denote Nominal definition = A description of the meaning of the word which denotes a thing Real definition = A description of the essence or inherent nature of a thing Juridical definition = A definition used in legal contexts Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their meanings:

Conceptual meaning = The meaning of a word or phrase in relation to other concepts Linguistic semantics = The study of meaning in language Mental lexicon = The store of words and associated meanings in long-term memory Grammatical structure = The level of linguistic structure that can be ambiguous in attributing meaning Signup and view all the answers

Match the following boundaries with their characteristics:

Idioms = Meanings that seem to stand on several different grammatical units Nominal definitions = Descriptions of the meaning of words Ostensive definitions = Definitions that point out objects Juridical language = Language used in legal contexts Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their definitions:

Linguistic consistency = The consistency of meaning across different linguistic units Nominal definition = A definition that explains the meaning of a word or phrase Juridical language = Language used in legal contexts to establish clear meanings Conceptual meaning = The meaning of a word or phrase based on its underlying concept Signup and view all the answers

Match the following definitional strategies with their descriptions:

Definition by ostension = Defining a word by pointing out the objects it denotes Definition by synonymy = Defining a word by providing a synonym Definition by context and typical exemplar = Defining a word by providing an example of its usage Definition by genus and differentia = Defining a word by categorizing it and highlighting its unique features Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic approaches with their focuses:

Onomasiological approach = Focusing on the meaning of a word or phrase Semasiological approach = Focusing on the word or phrase itself and its relationship to meaning Linguistic semantics = Focusing on the role of definition in understanding meaning Dictionary model = Focusing on the relationship between language and the individual Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their characteristics:

Idioms = Having a meaning that is not predictable from the individual words Lexical categories = Categories of words that require specific definitions Semantic primitives = Basic concepts that underlie all meanings Meaning-bearing units = Units of language that carry meaning Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic contexts with their requirements for definition:

Juridical language = Requires clear and explicit definitions to establish legal meanings Scientific terminology = Requires precise definitions to establish scientific concepts Everyday language = Typically requires implicit definitions through usage Linguistic semantics = Requires a range of definitional strategies to understand meaning Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions in linguistic semantics:

Semasiological approach = Focuses on words and their associated meanings Onomasiological approach = Focuses on concepts and the words that express them Nominal definition = A definition that assigns a label to a concept Linguistic consistency = The ability of language to convey meaning accurately and consistently Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their roles in scientific communication:

Morphemes = Minimal units of language that convey meaning Lexemes = Units of language that are associated with meanings Conceptual meaning = The meaning of a concept in a scientific context Juridical language = Language used in legal contexts to convey precise meaning Signup and view all the answers

Match the following definitions with their types:

A definition of 'murder' as 'the act of killing another human being' = Nominal definition A definition of 'contract' as 'a legally binding agreement' = Juridical definition A definition of 'anger' as 'the emotion caused by frustration' = Semantic definition A definition of 'dog' as 'the animal often kept as a pet' = Ostensive definition Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic approaches with their foci:

Semasiological approach = Words and their meanings Onomasiological approach = Concepts and their expressions Linguistic semantics = The meaning of language in a scientific context Juridical language = The precise meaning of language in legal contexts Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic units with their characteristics:

Words = Units of language surrounded by spaces in standard orthography Morphemes = Minimal units of language that convey meaning Lexemes = Units of language associated with meanings in a language Concepts = Units of meaning that can be expressed by multiple words Signup and view all the answers

Match the following fields with their reliance on fixed definitions:

Science = Crucial for precise communication Technology = Essential for accurate experimentation Law = Central for clear jurisdiction Ordinary language = Only necessary for resolving confusions Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their characteristics:

Juridical terms = Require clear definitions to fix their denotation Scientific terminology = Demand precise meanings for accurate experimentation Nominal definitions = Fix the meaning of a word by designating its essence Conceptual meanings = Capture the essence of a word's meaning Signup and view all the answers

Match the following definitions with their types:

H2O = Extensional definition Iron = Nominal definition Contract = Juridical definition Water = Conceptual definition Signup and view all the answers

Match the following language aspects with their roles:

Concepts = Essentially definitional in nature Word meanings = Can be captured in definitions Definitions = Activated during language use Language use = Proceeds without explicit definitions Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their descriptions:

Mental lexicon = A store of words and associated meanings in long-term memory Linguistic semantics = The study of meaning in language Semasiological approach = A method of definition that starts with a language's individual lexemes Onomasiological approach = A method of definition that starts with a particular meaning Signup and view all the answers

Match the following domains with their need for clear definitions:

Metallurgy = Fixed definitions for precise communication Law = Clear definitions for designated jurisdiction Ordinary language = Explicit definitions only for resolving confusions Science = Accurate definitions for experimental results Signup and view all the answers

Match the following scientific terminology with their meanings:

Neurosensory traces = Stored meaning representations in the mental lexicon Lexeme = A unit of language that carries meaning Semasiology = The study of meaning in language Ostensive definition = A method of defining words by pointing out the objects they denote Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their characteristics:

Nominal definition = A definition that provides a label for a concept Juridical language = Language used in legal contexts, requiring clear and precise definitions Linguistic consistency = The idea that language is a system with consistent rules and patterns Conceptual meaning = The meaning of a concept, independent of language Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their purposes:

Dictionary = A reference book that provides definitions for words Thesaurus = A reference book that provides synonyms for words Linguistic semantics = The study of meaning in language, to understand how language conveys meaning Onomasiological approach = A method of definition that provides multiple forms for expressing a meaning Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their roles:

Speaker/Writer = Maps ideas onto stored meaning representations in the mental lexicon Listener/Reader = Maps portions of the linguistic signal onto stored neurosensory traces in the mental lexicon Linguistic semantics = Specifies the stored meaning representation associated with each lexeme in the mental lexicon Mental lexicon = Stores words and associated meanings in long-term memory Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their characteristics:

Idiom = Meaning-bearing unit considered part of a word by one speaker, but written separately by another Nominal definition = A definition that uses a word's meaning to define it Linguistic semantics = Study of meaning in language, focusing on concepts and word meanings Ostensive definition = Defining a word by pointing to the object it denotes Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terminology with their meanings:

Definiendum = A word, phrase, or symbol being defined Definiens = The term proposed as the definition Semantics = Study of meaning in language, focusing on concepts and word meanings Onomasiology = Study of words and their meanings Signup and view all the answers

Match the following approaches with their focuses:

Onomasiological approach = Focus on the meaning of words Semasiological approach = Focus on the concepts and meanings Word-based approach = Focus on the word's meaning to define it Meaning-based approach = Focus on the concept's meaning to define the word Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their definitions:

Mental lexicon = Store of words and associated meanings in long-term memory Juridical language = Language used in legal contexts, requiring clear definitions Nominal definition = A definition that uses a word's meaning to define it Ostensive definition = Defining a word by pointing to the object it denotes Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their characteristics:

Idiom = Fixed expressions with a specific meaning Linguistic semantics = Study of meaning in language, focusing on concepts and word meanings Nominal definition = A definition that uses a word's meaning to define it Lexeme = A unit of language that carries a specific meaning Signup and view all the answers

Match the following scientific terminology with their meanings:

Semantics = Study of meaning in language, focusing on concepts and word meanings Onomasiology = Study of words and their meanings Linguistic consistency = Consistency in language use and meaning Lexical category = A category of words sharing a specific meaning or characteristic Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their characteristics:

Conceptual meaning = Meaning based on the concept or idea behind the word Nominal definition = A definition that uses a word's meaning to define it Ostensive definition = Defining a word by pointing to the object it denotes Juridical language = Language used in legal contexts, requiring clear definitions Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their meanings:

Linguistic consistency = Consistency in language use and meaning Onomasiological approach = Study of words and their meanings Nominal definition = A definition that uses a word's meaning to define it Mental lexicon = Store of words and associated meanings in long-term memory Signup and view all the answers

Match the following approaches with their focuses:

Word-based approach = Focus on the word's meaning to define it Meaning-based approach = Focus on the concept's meaning to define the word Onomasiological approach = Focus on the meaning of words Semasiological approach = Focus on the concepts and meanings Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their characteristics:

Idiom = Fixed expressions with a specific meaning Lexeme = A unit of language that carries a specific meaning Linguistic semantics = Study of meaning in language, focusing on concepts and word meanings Juridical language = Language used in legal contexts, requiring clear definitions Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their corresponding descriptions:

Conceptual theory of meaning = Assumes a close link between concepts and definitions. Nominal definition = Definition that points out the objects which they denote. Linguistic semantics = Focuses on the relationship between language and the individual. Semasiological approach = Focuses on the meaning of words in a language. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following scientific terminology with their corresponding domains:

Definitional circularity = Linguistic semantics Ostensive definition = Philosophy Semantic primitives = Psychology Conceptual meaning = Cognitive Science Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their corresponding characteristics:

Idioms = Have a fixed expression with a specific meaning. Nominal definitions = Provide a clear and concise definition. Juridical language = Requires precise and unambiguous definitions. Linguistic consistency = Involves the use of consistent terminology. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their corresponding criteria:

Truth preserving substitutability = A standard criterion of definitional adequacy. Definitional circularity = A problem in definition that involves using a word to define itself. Semantic primitives = A set of basic concepts that cannot be further defined. Conceptual meaning = The meaning of a word in relation to its concept. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following linguistic concepts with their corresponding applications:

Linguistic semantics = Analyzing the meaning of words in a language. Nominal definitions = Defining words in a dictionary. Juridical language = Creating legal documents and contracts. Conceptual meaning = Understanding the abstract meaning of words. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dictionaries and Linguistic Semantics

Dictionaries have significantly influenced language usage since the sixteenth century, facilitating clear communication and understanding.
Lexicography is a practical craft focused on creating comprehensible dictionaries, contrasting with the theoretical nature of linguistic semantics.

The Nature of Language

Language can be conceptualized as a collective repository of meanings in the brains of community members, akin to a communal dictionary.
Individual interpretation of meanings can vary; one speaker may view a segment of a word as a separate entity while another does not.

Orthographic Variations

Writing systems can exhibit instability, impacting word division; for instance, Modern Greek has spaces between words, unlike Ancient Greek.
German orthography revisions since 1998 have changed word divisions, illustrating that even established languages undergo reform.

Levels of Meaning

Semantic structure can be ambiguous, especially regarding sound symbolism, a phenomenon wherein sounds correspond to meanings.
Idioms present additional complexities, as their meanings aren't derived from their individual components, complicating understanding of language.

Approaches to Definition

Aristotle identified two interpretations for definitions: one focusing on the essence of an object and the other on the meaning of the word that signifies the object.
Ostensive definition involves indicating objects to convey meaning, but certain lexical categories, like verbs and adjectives, cannot be defined this way.

Synonymy and Thesauri

Definitions via synonyms can be problematic as direct equivalence between terms may not always hold; this distinction distinguishes dictionaries from thesauri, where the latter lists concepts rather than words.

Units of Meaning

Understanding minimal meaning-bearing units in language necessitates recognizing complexities above and below the word level, including morphemes.
Laws of word division vary by language; in languages without fixed orthographic rules, challenges arise in determining lexemes.

Mental Lexicon

Human cognition relies on a mental lexicon that stores words and associated meanings, enabling vocabulary usage in communication.
Mechanisms of accessing words vary for speakers and listeners; speakers connect ideas to stored representations, while listeners match linguistic signals to meanings.

Word-Based versus Meaning-Based Approaches

Dictionaries adopt a word-based or semasiological perspective, specifying meanings for individual lexemes.
The onomasiological approach begins with meanings and identifies the words used to express them.

Importance of Definitions

Definitions are central to semantic understanding, especially in technical domains such as science and law, where precise terminology is crucial.
Ordinary language use generally does not require explicit definitions, but they facilitate clarity when ambiguities arise.

Criteria for Definition Adequacy

Definitions should enable truth-preserving substitutability, maintaining meaning consistency across contexts.
Challenges like definitional circularity require careful consideration during the definition process, underscoring the complexity of language understanding.

Conclusion

The interplay between definitions, meanings, and language structure is intricate and evolving, reflecting the dynamic nature of linguistic analysis and understanding.

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Description

This quiz explores the complexities of word boundaries and how they relate to orthographic practices in various languages, including Northern Sotho. It delves into how different speakers perceive wordhood and the instability of writing systems.