SemanticsSemantics = the study of word meanings

From Greek:

semantikos = having significance

sema = a sign

Signs: Icons and Symbols Some signs look like the thing they

refer to. These are called ‘icons’. E.g.

Icon

Icon

Icon

Symbols Other signs have no obvious

connection with what they refer to – these are called ‘symbols’.

A symbol is either arbitrary or abstract.

Here are some symbols. What do they mean? How do you know?

symbol

Symbol

Symbol

Question ...

Are words icons or symbols?

A is for Apple

apple• the French call it “pomme”• the Germans call it “apfel”• the Spanish call it “manzana”• the Italians call it “mela”• the Chinese call it “pingguo”

Sounds and Letters• How many letters are there in “apple”?

• How many syllables are there in “apple”?

• How many sounds are there in “apple”?

• Does each letter represent a sound?

• Why is “apple” spelled the way it is?

Imagine an apple• What colour is it?

• Does it have a stem and leaves?

• Is it shiny or dull?

• What angle are you seeing it from – the top, the bottom or the side?

• Is it whole or has someone taken a bite out of it?

DenotationCollins English Dictionaryapple = 1. a rosaceous tree, Malus pumila (or

Pyrus malus), widely cultivated in temperate regions in many varieties, having pink or white fragrant flowers and firm rounded edible fruits. 2. the fruit of this tree, having red, yellow or green skin and crisp whitish flesh. 3. the wood of this tree....

Connotations?

Connotations?

Connotations?

Connotations?

WORD DENOTATION CONNOTATIONS

apple Firm, juicy fruit that grows on trees

healthy, natural …