Name : Juli Ando

Nim : 204006
UAS SEMANTIC
1. Scope of meaning lexical and contextual meaning
The scope of meaning refers to the range or extent of significance or interpretation
that can be attributed to a particular concept, statement, or communication. It
encompasses the breadth and depth of understanding and implications associated
with a given subject. The scope of meaning extends beyond individual words or
sentences to encompass the larger context in which they are used.

Lexical meaning, also known as word meaning, refers to the specific meaning or
sense associated with an individual word or lexeme in a language. It focuses on the
interpretation and understanding of words in isolation, independent of the context in
which they are used.
Lexical meaning encompasses the dictionary definition or denotation of a word,
which represents its core or primary meaning. For example, the lexical meaning of
the word "cat" refers to a small domesticated carnivorous mammal.

Contextual meaning, also known as situational meaning or pragmatic meaning, refers

to the interpretation and understanding of words, phrases, or utterances based on
the specific context in which they are used. It takes into account the surrounding
circumstances, including the speaker's intention, the listener's background
knowledge, and the social or cultural setting.
Unlike lexical meaning, which focuses on the inherent or dictionary definition of
words, contextual meaning emphasizes the way language is used in real-life
situations to convey specific messages. It recognizes that the meaning of a word or
expression can be influenced, modified, or even completely changed by the context
in which it is employed.

2. Meaning (positive and negative meaning)

 Semantic change refers to the process by which the meaning of words or
expressions evolves over time. It occurs as a result of various factors, such as
cultural shifts, social changes, linguistic influences, and the natural
development of language. Semantic change can involve the expansion,
narrowing, or alteration of a word's meaning, as well as the acquisition of
new connotations or senses.

 Semantic prosody refers to the consistent collocational association between

certain words or expressions and a positive or negative evaluation or
connotation. It is the tendency for specific words or phrases to be frequently
used in conjunction with positive or negative meanings, thereby influencing
the overall sentiment or tone conveyed. In semantic prosody, a word or
 expression may have a neutral or even positive/negative lexical meaning, but
due to its frequent collocation with other words, it acquires an overall
positive or negative connotation. This can influence how the word is
perceived and interpreted by speakers or listeners. For example, the word
"challenge" has a neutral lexical meaning, indicating a difficult task or
situation. However, when it is frequently used in collocation with positive
words like "exciting," "opportunity," or "growth," it acquires a positive
semantic prosody. On the other hand, if it is consistently collocated with
negative words like "daunting," "overwhelming," or "struggle," it develops a
negative semantic prosody.
 Connotation refers to the emotional or associative meaning that is attached
to a word or expression beyond its literal or denotative meaning.
Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral, and they contribute to the
overall impression or tone of the language used. Positive connotation:
Positive connotations evoke favorable or pleasant associations. Words with
positive connotations often carry a sense of admiration, approval, or
desirability. For example, words like "brave," "innovative," "beautiful," and
"generous" have positive connotations, as they are typically associated with
positive attributes or qualities. Negative connotation: Negative connotations
evoke unfavorable or unpleasant associations. Words with negative
connotations often carry a sense of disapproval, criticism, or undesirability.
Examples of words with negative connotations include "arrogant," "cunning,"
"ugly," and "stubborn," as they are typically associated with negative traits or
undesirable qualities.

3. How Meaning is Formed in Human Brain

The human brain plays a crucial role in the processing and understanding of semantic
information. Semantic processing refers to the cognitive mechanisms involved in
comprehending and representing the meaning of words, sentences, and other
linguistic units. Meaning construction refers to the cognitive process by which
individuals create and assign meaning to information, experiences, and stimuli. It
involves the interpretation, integration, and organization of various inputs to
generate a coherent understanding of the world. Meaning construction is a
fundamental aspect of human cognition and plays a crucial role in perception,
communication, and decision-making.

4. Approaches Meaning
Approaches to meaning refer to different theoretical frameworks or perspectives
within linguistics and philosophy that aim to understand and explain the nature of
meaning. Here are brief explanations of some key approaches:
 Referential/Extensional Approach: This approach focuses on the relationship
between words or linguistic expressions and the objects, entities, or concepts
they refer to in the world. It emphasizes the direct correspondence between
language and the external world of reference. The primary concern is with
 the denotative or referential meaning of words and how they represent the
world.
 Semantic/Conceptual Approach: The semantic or conceptual approach
emphasizes the internal mental representations and conceptual knowledge
involved in meaning. It explores how meaning is structured and organized
within the cognitive system. This approach considers meaning as the result of
mental processes and associations that allow individuals to understand and
represent the world. It examines the relationships between concepts and the
rules governing their combination.
 Pragmatic/Functional Approach: The pragmatic or functional approach
focuses on the contextual and situational aspects of meaning. It considers
how meaning is constructed and interpreted in communication. This
approach takes into account factors such as speaker intentions, social
conventions, and the effects of language use. It explores how meaning is
influenced by context, shared knowledge, and the intentions and goals of
communication.
 Sociocultural/Interactional Approach: The sociocultural or interactional
approach highlights the role of social and cultural factors in shaping meaning.
It recognizes that meaning is not solely a product of individual cognition but is
also influenced by shared cultural norms, practices, and social interactions.
This approach considers the social and cultural contexts in which meaning is
constructed and emphasizes the importance of shared understandings and
communicative conventions.
 Cognitive Linguistics: Cognitive linguistics approaches meaning from a
cognitive perspective, examining the mental processes and structures
involved in language and meaning. It focuses on how meaning is grounded in
embodied experiences, conceptual metaphors, and cognitive mechanisms
such as image schemas and prototypes. Cognitive linguistics explores the
relationship between language, thought, and perception.
 Structuralist/Semiotic Approach: The structuralist or semiotic approach,
influenced by the work of Ferdinand de Saussure, views meaning as a system
of signs and the relationships between them. It emphasizes the role of
linguistic signs and their interrelationships within a system of language. It
analyzes the formal and structural aspects of language, such as phonology,
morphology, and syntax, to understand how meaning is constructed and
conveyed.