Sentence vs Utterance: Difference between Sentence and Utterance Meaning

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Questions and Answers

What is an example provided to show the relationship between word meaning and sentence meaning?

I now pronounce you man and wife

I now pronounce you husband and wife (correct)

Tomorrow and if

Can you shut the window?

Why is it important to know the circumstances of an utterance according to the text?

To overcomplicate the understanding of language

To confuse people with different meanings

To understand the force or effect of the sentence (correct)

To memorize the linguistic meaning

Which unit carries meaning but is often overlooked in day-to-day interactions?

Utterances (correct)

Sentences

Paragraphs

Words

In the example of 'I now pronounce you husband and wife', what effect does the same utterance have in different contexts?

It creates a marriage in a wedding context but not in a film context Signup and view all the answers

Why do words, sentences, and utterances play crucial roles in conveying meaning?

To provide clarity and convey intended meanings Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to refer to the unique meaning created by the circumstances of an utterance?

Utterance meaning Signup and view all the answers

What is affective meaning in language?

The level of meaning that conveys the language user's feelings and attitudes Signup and view all the answers

How can intonation affect the interpretation of a sentence?

It can change the emotional meaning of the sentence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a word with affective meaning?

Alas! Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between vagrant and homeless in terms of affective meaning?

Vagrant has negative affect, while homeless is neutral Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of language carries meaning according to the text?

Words and sentences Signup and view all the answers

What does semantic role refer to in language?

The specific job or function that a word or phrase has in a sentence Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between sentence meaning and utterance meaning?

Sentence meaning is divorced from context, while utterance meaning depends on context. Signup and view all the answers

How does a smart-aleck interpretation differ from a second interpretation?

Smart-aleck interpretation leads to no action, while the second interpretation leads to a physical response. Signup and view all the answers

What is the premise of sentence semantics?

Sentences carry meaning independently of context. Signup and view all the answers

How do experienced language users view the premise of sentence semantics?

Counterintuitive and irrelevant to language understanding. Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of linguistics investigates utterances?

Pragmatics Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the text, how does the smart-aleck interpretation differ from the second interpretation?

Smart-aleck interpretation focuses on humor, while the second interpretation focuses on seriousness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Meaning of Words and Sentences

Word meaning and sentence meaning are intimately related.
The meaning of a sentence depends on the meaning of its individual words.

Meaning of Utterances

Utterances are a third unit of language that carries meaning, which is often overlooked in day-to-day interactions.
The meaning of an utterance depends on the circumstances in which it is spoken.
Example: "I now pronounce you husband and wife" can have different meanings depending on whether it is spoken by an officiant at a wedding or by an actor in a film.
The linguistic meaning of a sentence remains unchanged, but the circumstances of utterance create different meanings.
Utterance meaning is different from sentence meaning.

Sentence Semantics

Sentence semantics is concerned with the meaning of sentences independent of context.
Sentences can carry meaning independently of context.

Utterances and Pragmatics

Utterances are the subject of investigation of pragmatics, a branch of linguistics.
Utterances can convey feelings and attitudes through word choice, stress, and intonation.

Affective Meaning

Affective meaning is the level of meaning that conveys the language user's feelings, attitudes, and opinions about a particular piece of information or context.
Affective meaning is not exclusive to sentences, but can also be found in words and utterances.
Examples: words such as "Alas!" and "Hooray!" have affective meaning, and words like "funny", "sweet", and "obnoxious" can evoke emotions.
The difference between synonymous or near-synonymous pairs of words, such as "vagrant" and "homeless", is essentially a difference at the affective level.

Summary

Meaning is a complex combination of three aspects: word, sentence, and utterance meaning.
Understanding the meaning of language requires consideration of all three aspects.

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Description

Explore the distinction between sentence meaning and utterance meaning through scenarios where addressees react differently to questions. Analyze how responses can vary from a 'smart-aleck' interpretation to the intended action. Understand the nuances in language comprehension.