The Value of Studying Semantics

Semantics is the interpretation of words and sentence structure. Concerning the class readings and discussions about semantics, I have learned a lot about language. First, I have learned that most of the words in a language have more than meaning. For example, a word such as fall can mean an abrupt drop from an upright position or the season where leaves fall from trees. Second, I have learned about the lexical meaning of words, which is independent to the grammar of the language. For instance, words like fall, bear, note, and over, are lexically ambiguous. Third, during the term, I have expounded my mind on sense relations. I now know about the semantic relationships between various words. These topics stood out, and I found them interesting, helpful, and valuable because the ambiguity in language can help solve theoretical problems. Besides, I believe that the learning of the topics will influence my future work.

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The study of semantics might be useful in my future endeavors. Foremost, my career plan is to major in linguistics. English has never been my primary language. The class has helped me a lot to study words. I would love to study more about how human beings construct meanings in words. Growing up, I have wanted my native English speaker peers to define their sentences precisely for me to understand what they are trying to say. If possible, I intend to become a professor of linguistics at the University. Saeed (2015) affirms that linguistics make an explanation for common experiences with different languages available to individuals. The study of semantics will help me to recognize the meaning of words in a sentence and decisions people make because of their interpretation of words. Aitchison (2012) avows that the mind can store various words twice because they have a separate section of a lexicon to themselves. As Aitchison (2012) explains, common sense is the aspect that makes individuals cope with words. In general, I want to store as many words as possible in my mind.

It is agreeable that language and communication undergo enormous changes. Consequently, my insights as a semanticist leave me well-equipped to deal with these variations in a way that I will understand the nature of language itself. Even so, over time, the English language and its predictions have evolved. Still, semantics will help me understand the ambiguity of words in a sentence. I will comprehend the meaning of words even when the language undergoes changes. I will fathom the meaning of sentences that have or do not have subordinate clauses, coordinating conjunctions, or adjectives. I have learned a lot from the lessons of semantics that I believe I can handle any changes in language and communication. Besides, since my career plans focus on linguistics, I intend to acquire as much knowledge as possible and be up-to-date when the evolution of word usage takes place.

Furthermore, Semantics will provide insights on the current movements towards globalization and internationalization. Specifically, my background in semantics might benefit me as a citizen of the ever-changing world in a way that I will know the role of concepts in the process of globalization. Besides, I will understand the concepts and linguistic approaches that different cultures and nations employ. Today most businesses conduct their operations in other countries. I would like to investigate how they can pick up words and meanings of sentences during their interactions. More to the point, my background will assist in comparing the semantic fields in different cultural and national settings. Overall, my knowledge in the study of semantics will help me understand specific issues such as the spatial and progressive configurations in the semantics of globalization.

References

Aitchison, J. (2012). Words in the Mind: An Introduction to the Mental Lexicon. Fourth Edition. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

Saeed, J. (2015). Semantics. Fourth Edition. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing