Semantics: Extension, Intension, and Figurative Language

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the intension and extension of a word?

Extension encompasses the real-world referents, while intension defines the characteristic properties. (correct)
Intension and extension are unrelated concepts in semantics.
Extension is a broader concept than intension, including only abstract ideas.
Intension includes all possible real-world referents, while extension defines the characteristic properties.

If sentence A: 'The cat is sleeping on the mat' entails sentence B, which of the following MUST be true?

If the cat is sleeping on the mat, then the mat must be clean.
If sentence B is false, then sentence A must also be false. (correct)
If sentence B is true, then sentence A must be false.
If the cat is not sleeping on the mat, then the mat does not exist.

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies a contradiction?

Mary claims she is always on time, but she is frequently late. (correct)
John is a vegetarian, but he occasionally eats fish.
A square has four sides, and a triangle has three.
The weather is hot and humid.

Which of the following best describes what defines a semantic/lexical field?

A group of words sharing a common semantic property related to a segment of reality. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following lexical fields would the words 'glacier', 'puddle', and 'geyser' all belong?

Water forms (A) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'the company is a well-oiled machine' is an example of what type of figurative language?

Metaphor (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between hyponymy and semantic fields?

Hyponymy may be used to organize semantic fields; a thesaurus also makes use of hyponymy. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which figurative expression best describes 'blood, sweat, and tears'?

Synecdoche (D) Signup and view all the answers

Identify the figurative expression in 'The pen is mightier than the sword'.

Metonymy (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which figurative expression is exemplified by 'a loud color'?

Synesthesia (D) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'Enough is enough' is best described as which type of figurative expression?

Apparent tautology (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'construal' influence our understanding of language, according to the provided text?

It highlights our ability to interpret situations in multiple ways, showcasing the flexibility of thought and language. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between lexicon and grammar in language?

They form a continuum, where all elements are meaningful and interconnected. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'construe' a scene or event before encoding it in linguistic forms?

To mentally organize or conceptualize the scene before expressing it through language. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'a new set of wheels' is an example of which figurative expression?

Synecdoche (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the provided text, what does it mean to say that linguistic descriptions are 'never truly neutral'?

Every linguistic element carries a specific way of understanding conceptual content. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of 'construal' in cognitive linguistics?

It involves the alternative means of expression that offer different perspectives on the same situation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to cognitive linguistics, what does 'construing' a mental image involve?

Selecting, abstracting, and framing aspects of a perceived situation, similar to painting a picture. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a change in perspective or orientation, according to the examples provided?

<code>The hill rises steeply from the bank of the river.</code> vs. <code>The hill falls steeply to the bank of the river.</code> (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does language relate to culture, according to the information provided?

Language facilitates cultural transmission and provides a system for categorizing the world, with categories that evolve over time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the example '`I was bitten by a dog`' vs. '`I was bitten by a fox terrier`' primarily illustrate?

Variation in the level of specificity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which concept does the Latin origin of 'culture' (`colere` - tend, cultivate) highlight?

The active nurturing and development of social knowledge and practices. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Consider the sentences: '`The door of the classroom opened and in came the teacher.`' vs. '`The teacher opened the door and came into the classroom.`' What is being altered?

Figure/ground alignment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The sentences '`I have invited John’s wife to my party.`' vs. '`I have invited a poet to my party.`' vs. '`I have invited a cat-lover to my party.`' are examples of what?

Changes in specificity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the best definition of culture, according to the material?

Ideas and assumptions gained from being part of a group. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Extension

Entities in the real world represented by a word.

Intension

Set of defining properties shared by referents of a word.