Synonymic rows. Types of connotations (seme analysis)

Lexical meaning and its types through Referential and Functional approaches.

F. de Saussure considers meaning to be the relation between the object or notion named, and the name itself

The denotational trend of semantic studies considers a word as a unit possessing its own meaning. The main problem is the relation between the word, its meaning and the thing in reality which it denotes. The basis of the denotational theory is the double nature (ideal and material) of the word.

Bloomfield defines the meaning as the situation in which the word is uttered.

The relative/functional approach is based on treating the language as a semiotic system - the theory of relations. Each sign achieves a meaning only in comparison with other signs, its neighbours, i.e. meaning can be studied only through context.

Referential (Конкретный предмет, к которому относится языковой знак в составе высказывания) approach: the semantic triangle

The lexical meaning of a word is the realization of a notion by means of a definite language system.

Meaning - 1. Canhave a particular individual referent 2. revealthe speaker's state of mind and his attitude 3. belonging to some specific stylistic level reflect personality of the speaker, his background and his relations with his audience 4. Grouped on linguistic basis 5. Nationally determined and limited

Parts of lexical meaning: The denotative meaning is essentially cognitive: it conceptualizes and classifies our experience and names objects spoken about. It is the central factor in the functioning of language. Includes the bare minimum of characteristic features as used by every speaker in everyday life. Signifiсative (the referent is a concept Ex. A cat). The connotative is the pragmatic communicative value that the word receives by virtue of where, when, how, by whom, for what purpose and in what contexts it is or may be used Optional, additional to the denotative. Demоnstrative ( the referent is an individual object ex. My cat Fluffy)

Synonymic rows. Types of connotations (seme analysis).

Connotation is the speaker's attitude to the social circumstances and the appropriate functional style, about his approval or disapproval of the object spoken, or the degree of intensity, fixed in the lexical meaning in addition to denotation.

Ex. a hovel denotes«a small house» and besides implies that it is a miserable dwelling place, dirty, in bad repair, and, in general, unpleasant to live in.

Ex. childlike vs. childish Denotation: characteristic of a child Connotation: Childlike suggests “good” qualities: innocence and trustworthiness Childish connotes “bad” characteristics: foolishness or immaturity

stylistic connotation Is an association with the situation in which the word is uttered, the social circumstances (formal, familiar, etc.), the social relationships between the interlocutors (polite, rough), the type and purpose of communication (learned, poetic, official, etc.) Ex. horse – steed, to discharge/dismiss - to fire – to give a sack