Semantics

Semantics is a key subfield of linguistics. While most scholars think first of syntax, morphology, and phonology as foundational areas of linguistics, semantics and pragmatics, sometimes studied together, form one of the dominant subfields of [Page 743]linguistics. Semantics focuses on the construction of meaning at the word level, sentence level, and paragraph level. The fields of psychology and philosophy have helped shape this subfield of linguistics. There are three traditional areas of semantics: (1) formal semantics, tied to logic and the philosophy of language; (2) lexical semantics, tied to word formation and meaning; and (3) cognitive semantics, tied to psychology and examining the underlying cognitive structures in the words and phrases. Semantics involves explorations of both the content and the character of utterances. Typical academic volumes may explore grammatical forms such as imperatives, symbolic forms such as metaphors, and even narrow registers such as humor.

In this entry, semantics is defined, and two forms of the concept are described. Current research in semantics is outlined, and a discussion of the ways in which semantics is important and useful in intercultural competence follows.

Scholars of semantics typically separate themselves into two camps: (1) those focusing on what is termed internalist theory and (2) those focusing on a referential theory. In the former case, researchers argue that the meanings of sentences are understood because of internal processing mechanisms and structures. External dimensions of words in sentences are less critical to an understanding of what is in one’s mind. Referential researchers look toward the objects and concepts one sees and describes, suggesting that meaning is to be found in what can be seen. The philosophers Jon Barwise and John Perry look in a holistic way at the overall situation captured at any given moment.

People frequently hear the phrase “It is a matter of semantics” when individuals seem to disagree on the surface level but have elements of agreement on a deeper conceptual level. These differences, however, can be absolutely critical. The linguist Paul Elbourne (2011) goes so far as to state, “One can only wonder that people can be heard using derogatory phrases like ‘just semantics’ and ‘mere semantics.’ They evidently do not know that semantic interpretation can, quite literally, be a matter of life and death” (p. 98).

Linguists who conduct semantics research may look at data within one culture or data across cultures. They may look at speech acts such as apologizing, requesting, and commanding. They may look at direct and indirect speech acts and their underlying propositions. For example, when one American says to another, “Do you have a watch?” most of us know that a request for the time is being made.

Current research in semantics is inextricably linked to intercultural communication. When someone is not a member of a particular group, the person may not interpret information the same way as members of the in-group. Thus, for those hoping to succeed in a business transaction, an academic transaction, or even a religious transaction, it becomes imperative to know how the individual or individuals they are interacting with perceive words and events and how the surrounding context affects meaning.

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