ENGLISH SEMANTICS

FIRST TERM

Introduction

As an introduction to the subject, we shall first compare how semantic relationships are used
within different fields, namely lexical semantics, word field and grammatical meaning.
We also shall present the semantic relationships that can be grouped into coherent classes and
ordered hierarchically. They could be discussed in the forum.
The classical relationships dealt with in this connection are synonymy, antonymy and
hyponymy. But in essence the list of semantic relations is infinite, spanning from very general
ones holding between large sets of senses to the fully idiosyncratic ones which may only hold
between two specific senses.
What is semantics?
Semantics is the study of meaning. It is a wide subject within the general study of language. An
understanding of semantics is essential to the study of language acquisition (how language users
acquire a sense of meaning, as speakers and writers, listeners and readers) and of language
change (how meanings alter over time). It is important for understanding language in social
contexts, as these are likely to affect meaning, and for understanding varieties of English and
effects of style. It is thus one of the most fundamental concepts in linguistics. The study of
semantics includes the study of how meaning is constructed, interpreted, clarified, obscured,
illustrated, simplified negotiated, contradicted and paraphrased.
TEACHING ASSISTANCE

The first part of the assignment deals with fundamental and general notions of semantics. It
provides a general introduction to questions of meaning, locating the linguistic study of
meaning within the wide context of the study of signs and communication in general.

The process of linguistic encoding and decoding of messages is also examined in this part. The
simple model, analyzes how we convert information using the appropriate channels and various
kinds of signs that human language uses.

In the process of dealing with meaning, it is important to consider the different types and
dimensions, as an indispensable background knowledge its logical relations which are

ENGLISH SEMANTICS
FIRST TERM

considered as fundamental tools from the field of logic to introduce the study of meaning.
Concepts like argument and predicate are used to designate the constituents of a sentence.

The extensional approaches to meaning: sense, denotation and reference are also viewed. The
way meanings combine together for more complex meanings are considered in the principle of
compositionality.

Learning activities learning

Learning activity 1.1.
a. Write examples of: paraphrase of, entails, presupposes, inconsistent with.
b. Add examples to the seven types of meaning chart.

TASK

Read pag. 5 and write similar but different examples.

Copy the chart on pag 26 and add one column for examples for each type.
Read the introduction.

Didactic
orientations

To analyse the study of semantics and the fields related to it in linguistics

learning

Objective

Development of the students own definitions

Analysis of different fields related to semantics
Exemplification of the types of meaning

Evaluation
Criteria

Learning activity 1.2.

TASK

Didactic
orientations

Objective

Evaluation
Criteria

a. Use a graphic organizer to summarize the types of Creativity.

b. Diagram a graphic organizer about FIVE FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE

Read carefully pages 46, extract the three types of creativity.

Read pages 47-49 about the functions of language.
Read pag. 49.

To describe the types of Creativity

To visualize the Functions of Language
To understand the importance of language

Types of Creativity identification

Understanding about Functions of Language
How language can be a mechanism of humans survival

Learning activity 1.3.

a. Write the theory and new examples for each type of Basic Statement.
b. Make three graphic organizers about: the components of Meaning

ENGLISH SEMANTICS
FIRST TERM

TASK
Read pages 81- 89 to get the correct information. And give examples
Read pages 95- 99 to get the correct information. And give examples

Didactic
orientations

Objectives
Evaluation
Criteria

To identify the types of Basic Statements

To analyze the components of meaning

Examples of Basic Statements

Example and explanation of the components of meaning

Learning activity 1.4.

a. Design a concept map using components and meaning relations with
examples.
b. Identify and give an example of each one of the contrast meanings.
(Oppositios)

TASK

Didactic
orientations
Objectives
Evaluation
Criteria
Delivery Format

Read pages 97-119. Select the main ideas. Don not forget to give examples

To exemplify the components and contrast meaning

To identify the contrast meanings and oppositions

Appropriate mind map

Correct Explanations and examples
Microsoft Word File (.doc), in rift format.
Send the learning activities thought platform, by means In the section Contained,
In a file which name must be:

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Questions

Format: G1 . Lastname. surname. name.Semantics

G1.Rueda.Morales.Marco:Semantics
Send your questions and doubts through the platform by using the contacts
section and tick on your tutors name.

Evaluation
Learning activities
First Term
Learning activity 1.1
Learning activity 1.2
Learning activity 1.3
Learning activity 1.4

Puntaje
5
5
5
5

ENGLISH SEMANTICS
FIRST TERM

Total

20

Total

Score
10
10
20

Academic Forum
First Term
Participation 1
Participation 2

The evaluation will be based upon a solid and coherent structure of your criteria, as well as on
your creativity and making-decision skills.
Keep in mind that the development of the study guide is based on the reading of the textbook,
the comprehension of concepts, and the corresponding application of the requested examples.

You are not allowed to consult your text, guides, or any other
material for your first and second examinations.
The Tutor