The Meaning of Meaning: Semantics and Pragmatics

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Questions and Answers

What is the implied meaning of 'good' in Mark Twain's phrase 'a good man in the worst sense of the word'?

  • Puritanical, self-righteous, and judgmental (correct)
  • Humorous and light-hearted
  • Generous and kind
  • Wealthy and influential

What is the main point of the conversation between Alice and Humpty Dumpty about the word 'glory'?

  • Humpty Dumpty is trying to teach Alice the meaning of the word 'glory'
  • Alice is trying to impress Humpty Dumpty with her knowledge of the word 'glory'
  • Alice is objecting to Humpty Dumpty's use of the word 'glory' in a way that differs from its normal meaning (correct)
  • Humpty Dumpty is trying to confuse Alice with complex vocabulary

What is the purpose of using words with new meanings in language?

  • To convey a complex or nuanced idea (correct)
  • To avoid using old words with familiar meanings
  • To simply follow the rules of grammar and syntax
  • To confuse or mislead the listener

What is the relationship between semantics and pragmatics in understanding the meaning of words?

<p>Semantics deals with the literal meaning of words, while pragmatics deals with the context in which they are used (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of Humpty Dumpty's response to Alice's objection in the conversation about the word 'glory'?

<p>Contemptuous and condescending (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of the passage about the meaning of words?

<p>Words can have multiple meanings depending on the context and speaker's intention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Humpty Dumpty's and Mark Twain's use of words?

<p>Humpty Dumpty's words fail to communicate, while Mark Twain's successfully convey meaning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key aspect of word meanings that Humpty Dumpty's comment overlooks?

<p>The shared agreement among the speech community about word meanings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between linguistic form and meaning?

<p>It is governed by rules. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of studying semantics?

<p>To understand the shared system of rules that enables linguistic communication. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct definition of semantics?

<p>The study of the relationship between linguistic form and meaning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of language learners acquiring rules for interpreting expressions?

<p>Language learners must be able to understand novel sentences and expressions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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