What are the steps for improving semantics as outlined in your textbook Explain them - Essay Example

Improving Semantics Semantics is how we know and understand words in a particular context. It emphasises the relationship between signifiers, such as words, expressions, signs, and symbols, and what they represent, which refers to their denotation. Linguistic semantics studies have meaning and are for comprehending human communication through language. Different people speak different languages. One word put in context can mean different things to different people. What a word connotes and what the same word denotes change. Simply, there is what a word formally means, which is its dictionary meaning. This may be different from what the same word connotes to different people that is its implied meaning. The order of words in sentences is important in providing us their meaning more clearly than the words themselves (Kholoud 714).
In order to improve semantics, our word choice and arrangement should help to clarify meaning and show respect. The way the words flow in the sentence clarifies what they mean and shows us the context in which they have been used. The use of specific language or words that narrow the meaning down from a general set to one item or inclusive group. This is the use of precise words to clarify the meaning of the phrase. This addresses the problem of semantic under specification where the meaning of a word is not complete without certain elements of context. Another way is by the use of concrete language. This is the use of words that appeal to the intellect. Such words assist you to clarify semantic meaning by boosting understanding. Such words appeal to the senses and are related to feelings evoked by certain words or phrases. Use of language that is familiar to the recipient can diffuse confusion in a sentence. This is because familiar language is in a language context understood by the recipient enhancing clarity and dispelling ambiguity.
Through the use of descriptive details and examples in your content, you can improve semantic meaning by enhancing visual perception in the mind of the recipient. Visual descriptions help the listener to create a mental picture of what is being said and understand the concept better (Kholoud 716). Such tools increase clarity particularly in eliminating any form of ambiguity. When local and familiar examples are used in statements, listeners tend to understand the intended message and may seek further clarification with certainty. Localised examples also eliminate confusion since the explanations become customized per se. Sensitivity in communication is attained by being mindful of meanings of words or phrases in local dialects. The same word or phrase could be less or more sensitive among different people groups or communities. For instance, a certain word or expression could be acknowledging hard work or discipline in one area and express ridicule in another. Linguistically sensitive language or that which demonstrates respect for all age-groups, minorities, gender or races, displays respect. Every member or participating group(s) feel appreciated. This respect for all encourages active participation and positive response. Using indiscriminate or inclusive language also clarifies what one means when referring to all persons as opposed to a particular race, gender or group. For instance, using humankind instead of man of fire-fighter instead of fireman. Such inclusive language dispels notions of discriminatory intentions or one-sidedness.
Work Cited
Kholoud, Amoush. "Th Effectiveness of Using "Semantic Mapping Strategy" on Rading Comprhension of ordanian University Students." Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Researc in Businss, Vol. 4. No, 6 (2012): 714-729. Print. Read More