ELT 613: English Semantics and Pragmatics

TASK 1

REVIEW: LINGUISTICS

Name: ANGEIE E. CAPARIDA

Direction: Please give the information asked below. The links pasted below may help you find the majority of the
answers.

1. Differentiate Macro and micro linguistics

Macro Linguistics Micro linguistics
-Macro linguistics takes a broad view of linguistic -Micro linguistics focuses on the study of language itself, including
phenomena, studying language in different contexts and its its sound (phonetics and phonology) grammatical structures
development over time. (morphology), syntax, and meanings (semantics) in context
- Macro-linguistics includes study of other disciplines that are (pragmatics)
connected with language study in any perspective

2. Enumerate the branches of macro linguistics and give their meanings. Make sure to understand
everything that you’ll write in the spaces provided.
Branches of Macro Linguistics Meanings
Sociolinguistics -Sociolinguistics is generally used for the study of the relationship between
society and language. Sociolinguistics is the branch of linguistics that deals
with the effect of society on a language.
- It has strong connections with anthropology, culture, and sociology.
Psycholinguistics -Psycholinguistics deals with the study of the mental aspects of language and
speech.
- Its domain is concerned with how language is represented and processed in the
brain
-Psycholinguistics, study of linguistics and psychology, is part of the field of
cognitive science
Neurolinguistics -Neurolinguistics deals with the study of how language is represented in the brain,
how and where a brain stores knowledge of a language that we speak.
- It focuses on what happens in our brains as we acquire a language, and what
happens as we put this knowledge into practice.
Computational linguistics -Computational linguistics is a branch of linguistics that is concerned with the rule-
based modeling of natural language from a computational perspective.
- It is the branch of linguistics that deals with the techniques of computer
science that are applied to the analysis and synthesis of language and speech.

3. Enumerate the branches of microlinguistics and give their meanings.

Branches of Macro Linguistics Meanings
Phonetics Phonetics is the study of the sounds of language. It deals with the way
sounds are produced, transmitted and perceived by human beings.

Differentiate the following:

a. Articulatory phonetics - deals with the study of articulation of speech
sounds

b. Acoustic phonetics - studies the physical properties of sounds as

transmitted from mouth to air and then received by ear drum

c. Auditory phonetics - deals with the study of perpetual response to

speech sounds as mediated by ear, auditory nerve and brain
Phonology Phonology is the study of how sounds are arranged in each language as
organized units of speech.
- It also looks into the specifications in the distribution of sounds into small
sounds in each language
 Phoneme is the smallest unit of sound in a language that can distinguish meaning
between words. For example, in English, the words "bat" and "pat" differ only in
their initial phonemes /b/ and /p/, which changes the meaning of the words.
Phonemes can be consonants, vowels, or a combination of both, and they are
essential for understanding the sound structure of a language.
Give words or phrases that will differentiate phonology and phonetics.
-Phonetics is the study of speech sounds and their production, while phonology
examines how sounds are organized and pattern in a language.
Morphology Morphology deals with the forms of words, use of words and construction of words
by small letters.
Morpheme - studies how words are formed into small meaningful units
Differentiate the following and give 2 examples each:
a. Derivational morphemes are affixes (prefixes or suffixes) that are added
to a base word to create a new word, often changing the word’s meaning
or part of speech.
Examples:
1. -ness (as in "happiness") - This suffix turns the adjective "happy" into the
noun "happiness."
2. re- (as in "redo") - This prefix indicates a repetition of the action of the
verb "do," creating the new verb "redo."

b. Inflectional morphemes are affixes that are added to a base word to

express grammatical relationships such as tense, mood, voice, aspect,
person, number, or case, without changing the word’s part of speech or
core meaning.
Examples:
1. -ed (as in "walked") - This suffix indicates the past tense of the verb
"walk."
2. -s (as in "dogs") - This suffix indicates the plural form of the noun "dog."
Differentiate the following and give 2 examples each:
c. Free morpheme is a morpheme that can stand alone as a complete word
and carries meaning independently. It does not require any additional
morphemes to convey its meaning.
Examples:
1. Book - A complete word that refers to a collection of written pages.
2. Run - A verb that describes the action of moving quickly on foot.

d. Bound morpheme cannot stand alone as a word and must be attached to

a free morpheme to convey meaning. Bound morphemes can be prefixes,
suffixes, infixes, or other forms that modify the meaning of the base word.
Examples:
1. -s (as in "cats") - A suffix that indicates plural form; it cannot stand alone.
2. un- (as in "happy" vs. "unhappy") - A prefix that negates the meaning of the
word it attaches to; it cannot exist independently.
Define the different ways of forming new words and give 2 examples each
a. Compounds involves combining two or more existing words to create a
new word with a specific meaning.
Examples:
1. Toothbrush (tooth + brush)
2. Snowman (snow + man)

b. Acronyms are formed from the initial letters of a series of words, typically
pronounced as a single word.
Examples:
1. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
2. laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)

c. Back-formations occurs when a new word is created by removing a suffix

from an existing word, often resulting in a change of part of speech.
Examples:
1. Edit (from editor)
2. Televise (from television)

d. Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases, often using the

initial letters or a part of the original word.
Examples:
 1. Dr. (Doctor)
2. Mr. (Mister)

e. Eponym are words derived from the name of a person, often signifying a
product, concept, or invention associated with that individual.
Examples:
1. Sandwich (named after the Earl of Sandwich)
2. Diesel (named after Rudolf Diesel)

f. Blending involves merging parts of two or more words to create a new

word.
Examples:
1. Brunch (breakfast + lunch)
2. Motel (motor + hotel)
Syntax Syntax is the study of phrase construction, clauses and sentences in a
language. It deals with basic word order followed in any language
Search on the internet for the specific lessons that will be covered under the broad
concept of syntax. List them down below.
1. Basic Sentence Structure
 Subject, verb, and object (SVO) patterns
 Simple, compound, and complex sentences
2. Phrase Structure
 Types of phrases (noun phrases, verb phrases, prepositional phrases)
 The role of phrases in sentence construction
3. Clauses
 Independent vs. dependent (subordinate) clauses
 Types of clauses (relative, adverbial, complement)
4. Sentence Types
 Declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences
 Understanding how sentence types affect meaning and tone
5. Word Order
 Variations in word order across languages
 The impact of word order on meaning and emphasis
6. Agreement
 Subject-verb agreement
 Noun-pronoun agreement
7. Transformations
 How sentences can be transformed (e.g., from active to passive voice)
 Transformational grammar concepts
8. Syntactic Categories
 Parts of speech and their syntactic roles (nouns, verbs, adjectives,
adverbs)
 Functions of different syntactic categories within sentences
9. Syntax and Semantics
 The relationship between syntactic structure and meaning
 How syntax influences interpretation
10. Complex Sentences and Subordination
 Techniques for combining clauses to form complex sentences
 Understanding subordination and coordination
Semantics Define Semantics (3 definitions of semantics)
-Semantics is the study of meaning in a language.
- It focuses on studying the structure of meaning of words and making a
sentence that is meaningful.

Pragmatics Define pragmatics (3 definitions of semantics)

-Pragmatics also deals with the meaning of language but it focuses on
meaning in context rather than individual word meanings.

Differentiate semantics and pragmatics using a two-circle Venn diagram. Use the space provided.

SEMANTICS
PRAGMATICS
Definition: Semantics is the
Definition: Pragmatics is the
study of meaning in
study of how context influences
language, focusing on the
the interpretation of meaning in
relationship between
communication, focusing on the
words, phrases, and their
 Language Study: Both
are subfields of
linguistics that deal with
meaning and
understanding in
language.

Interconnectedness:
They often overlap;
understanding the
meaning of a statement
Essay Questions (semantics) can depend
Directions: Answer each essay question in not less than on 100the words.
context in which
1. Why is semantics important? it is used (pragmatics).
Semantics, the study of meaning in language, plays a crucial role in communication, understanding, and the interpretation of texts.
It encompasses the meanings of words, phrases, and Rolesentences,
in as well as how context influences these meanings. The
significance of semantics extends beyond mere linguistic analysis; it impacts various fields, including philosophy, law, artificial
intelligence, and everyday interactions. Understanding Communication:
semantics allows Both
for clearer communication, aids in the resolution of
are
ambiguities, and enhances our comprehension of complex concepts. essential for
One of the primary reasons semantics is importanteffective is its role in effective communication. Language is a tool for expressing
thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Without a clear communication,understanding ofassemantics,
they the nuances of language can lead to
misunderstandings. For instance, consider the sentence “I saw the man with the telescope.” This statement can be interpreted in
help listeners interpret
multiple ways: did the speaker use the telescope to see the man, or did the man possess the telescope? Semantic clarity is
essential to convey the intended message and to ensure and respond
that both the speaker and listener share a common understanding. In
professional settings, where precision is critical, a appropriately to spokencan prevent costly misinterpretations and foster
firm grasp of semantics
effective collaboration. or written language.
Moreover, semantics plays a pivotal role in the interpretation of texts, whether literary, legal, or scientific. In literature, semantic
analysis can uncover deeper meanings, themes, andExplorationcharacter motivations,
of enriching the reader's experience. In legal contexts,
the interpretation of statutes and contracts often hinges Meaning: Both seek toA single word or phrase can determine the outcome
on semantic nuances.
of a case, making it vital for legal professionals to understand the precise meanings of terms used in legislation. Similarly, in
explain how meaning is
scientific discourse, precise language is essential for clear communication of findings and theories, as any ambiguity can lead to
misinterpretation of results and subsequent conclusions. conveyed, albeit
through different
Furthermore, semantics is intertwined with cognitive processes, lenses
influencing how we think and understand the world. For example,
cultures with rich vocabulary related to certain concepts may have
semantics through thea more nuanced understanding of those concepts, affecting
everything from social interactions to problem-solving structure
approaches. of language
In conclusion, semantics is a foundational aspect of language that is crucial for effective communication, interpretation of texts,
advancements in technology, and cognitive processes.and Its pragmatics through
importance spans various domains, highlighting the need for a nuanced
understanding of meaning in both everyday life andcontext specializedandfields.
use. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, a deep
appreciation of semantics will empower us to communicate more effectively, interpret information with clarity, and engage with the
world around us in a more meaningful way.
2. Why is pragmatics important?
Pragmatics, the branch of linguistics that studies the context-dependent aspects of meaning, plays a vital role in effective
communication and comprehension. It goes beyond the literal meanings of words and sentences to examine how context
influences interpretation, including factors such as speaker intention, social dynamics, and situational nuances. The significance
of pragmatics can be observed in everyday interactions, cross-cultural communication, and various professional fields,
highlighting its essential role in fostering clarity and understanding.
One of the primary reasons pragmatics is important is its ability to provide clarity in communication. Language is inherently
ambiguous; words can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which they are used. Pragmatics helps navigate this
ambiguity by focusing on how context shapes understanding. For example, consider the utterance “Can you pass the salt?” While
the literal interpretation is a question about the listener’s ability to pass the salt, the pragmatic interpretation is usually a polite
request. Understanding such distinctions allows individuals to communicate more effectively, ensuring that messages are not only
conveyed but also understood as intended.
Moreover, pragmatics is essential in social interactions, where language is not just about conveying information but also about
managing relationships. The use of politeness strategies, speech acts, and conversational implicatures where the meaning goes
beyond what is explicitly stated which illustrates how pragmatics governs our interactions. For instance, in many cultures, indirect
requests are preferred as a way of maintaining politeness and social harmony. A person might say, “It’s cold in here,” not just to
state a fact but to suggest that someone should close a window. Recognizing these subtleties helps individuals navigate social
dynamics more adeptly, fostering smoother and more respectful interactions.
In addition to interpersonal communication, pragmatics is crucial in cross-cultural contexts. Different cultures have distinct norms
regarding communication styles, which can lead to misunderstandings if not properly understood. For example, some cultures
value directness and clarity, while others may prioritize indirectness and subtlety. Pragmatics aids in bridging these cultural gaps
by emphasizing the importance of context and shared knowledge. Understanding the pragmatic norms of another culture enables
individuals to communicate more effectively, minimizing the risk of offense or misinterpretation. As globalization increases
intercultural interactions, a solid grasp of pragmatics becomes essential for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
In professional settings, the role of pragmatics cannot be overstated. Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful
collaboration, negotiation, and conflict resolution. In business meetings, for instance, the ability to read between the lines and
understand the implications of statements can be as important as the content itself. Pragmatics allows professionals to interpret
cues such as tone, body language, and situational context, enabling them to respond appropriately
In conclusion, pragmatics is a crucial aspect of communication that encompasses the contextual and relational dimensions of
language. Its importance is evident in fostering clarity, enhancing social interactions, bridging cultural divides, facilitating
professional communication, and advancing technological applications. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected and
complex, a deeper understanding of pragmatics will empower individuals to communicate more effectively, build stronger
relationships, and navigate diverse social landscapes with greater ease. Embracing the principles of pragmatics not only enriches
our interactions but also enhances our overall understanding of human communication.