Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is an example provided to show the relationship between word meaning and sentence meaning?
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?
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?
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?
In the example of 'I now pronounce you husband and wife', what effect does the same utterance have in different contexts?
Why do words, sentences, and utterances play crucial roles in conveying meaning?
Why do words, sentences, and utterances play crucial roles in conveying meaning?
What term is used to refer to the unique meaning created by the circumstances of an utterance?
What term is used to refer to the unique meaning created by the circumstances of an utterance?
What is affective meaning in language?
What is affective meaning in language?
How can intonation affect the interpretation of a sentence?
How can intonation affect the interpretation of a sentence?
Which of the following is an example of a word with affective meaning?
Which of the following is an example of a word with affective meaning?
What is the difference between vagrant and homeless in terms of affective meaning?
What is the difference between vagrant and homeless in terms of affective meaning?
Which aspect of language carries meaning according to the text?
Which aspect of language carries meaning according to the text?
What does semantic role refer to in language?
What does semantic role refer to in language?
What is the difference between sentence meaning and utterance meaning?
What is the difference between sentence meaning and utterance meaning?
How does a smart-aleck interpretation differ from a second interpretation?
How does a smart-aleck interpretation differ from a second interpretation?
What is the premise of sentence semantics?
What is the premise of sentence semantics?
How do experienced language users view the premise of sentence semantics?
How do experienced language users view the premise of sentence semantics?
Which branch of linguistics investigates utterances?
Which branch of linguistics investigates utterances?
In the context of the text, how does the smart-aleck interpretation differ from the second interpretation?
In the context of the text, how does the smart-aleck interpretation differ from the second interpretation?
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.
