Unit 2563: Semantics and Pragmatics

1. Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics

• Definition and scope of semantics
• Definition and scope of pragmatics
• Key differences between semantics and pragmatics
• Importance of studying meaning in language

2. Semantics: Word Meaning

2.1 Lexical Semantics

• How words acquire meaning
• Sense vs. reference

2.2 Word Sense

• Polysemy: multiple related meanings
• Homonymy: multiple unrelated meanings

2.3 Semantic Relations Between Words

• Synonymy
• Antonymy
• Hyponymy and hypernymy
• Meronymy

3. Semantics: Sentence Meaning

3.1 Compositionality

• How sentence meaning is built from word meanings

3.2 Truth Conditions

• Definition and role in sentence meaning
• Examples

3.3 Entailment

• Concept and examples

3.4 Presupposition

• Definition and triggers
• Distinction from entailment

3.5 Implicature

• Introduction to implicature within semantics

4. Pragmatics: Speech Acts

• Definition of speech acts
• Types of speech acts:
  • Assertions
  • Questions
  • Requests
  • Directives
• Contextual factors influencing speech act performance

5. Pragmatics: Conversational Implicature

• Going beyond literal meaning
• Grice’s Cooperative Principle
• The four conversational maxims:
  • Quantity
  • Quality
  • Relation
  • Manner
• Examples and analysis of implicature in conversation

6. Pragmatics: Politeness Theory

• Concept of face and face-threatening acts
• Positive and negative politeness strategies
• Cultural variations in politeness
• Examples of politeness strategies in language use

7. Semantics and Pragmatics in Cross-Cultural Communication

• Impact of cultural differences on meaning interpretation
• Role of context, norms, and conventions
• Potential misunderstandings and strategies for effective communication

8. Semantics and Pragmatics in Advertising

• Language as a persuasive tool
• Use of semantic strategies: connotations and associations
• Pragmatic strategies: implicature and speech acts in ads
• Case studies of advertising language

9. Semantic Change and Pragmatic Shift

• Mechanisms of semantic change over time
• Examples of semantic broadening, narrowing, amelioration, pejoration
• Pragmatic shift: adapting communication strategies in context
• Relationship between semantic change and pragmatic shift