Lexicology
1. Referential or analytical definition of meaning.
The branch of lexicology is known as semasiology. The name comes from the Greek “semasia” – “signification”. There are 2 main categories of definitions of meaning which may be referred to as`
1. referential or analytical definitions of meaning
2. functional or contextual definitions of meaning
Referential approach distinguishes between the 3 components closely connected with meaning`
1. the sound form of the linguistic sign
2. the concept
3. the referent
The referential model of meaning is called basic triangle.
1. It is easily observed that the sound form of the word is not identical with its meaning. There is no inherent connection between the sound – cluster [i:gl] and the meaning of the word eagle. English eagle and Armenian արծիվ: the words have different sound form but express the same meaning.
2. When we examine a word we see that its meaning, though closely connected with the underlying concept, is not identical with it. Concepts are the results of obstruction and generalization. For example English house – home, տուն – օջախ.
3. Referent meaning is linguistic, denoted object, referent is beyond the scope of language. For example cat, animal, pet. All these words have the same referent, but different meaning.
To sum up we can say that meaning is not identical with any of the 3 points of the triangle: the sound-form, the concept and the referent, but they are closely connected with them.
2. Functional or contextual definitions of meaning
The branch of lexicology is known as semasiology. The name comes from the Greek “semasia” – “signification”. There are 2 main categories of definitions of meaning which may be referred to as`
1. referential or analytical definitions of meaning
2. functional or contextual definitions of meaning
Functional approach to meaning states that the meaning of a linguistic unit can be studied only to its relation to other...