1) In what ways does our knowledge of semantics become more sophisticated as we age?
Knowledge of semantics becomes sophisticated with age through interaction with human beings and phenomena in the environment. From a tender age, individuals gain meaning of various different words and symbols through communicating with other people.
2) How is semantic meaning dependent upon syntactic knowledge?
Syntactic knowledge refers to conscious ability to manipulate word order in the context of a sentence based on the rules of grammar. When one changes the order of words the meaning drawn from the sentence may completely change.
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3) In what ways does semantics concern itself with relationships between words (e.g., synonyms)?
Semantics identifies that there are particular that may have close or similar meaning. In synonyms, these are the words that have same meanings with various types including cognitive, descriptive, and near synonyms. There are also antonyms which have opposite meanings, including simple, gradable, converse, and reversive antonyms.
4) What are two key differences between linguistic and communicative competence? (5pts)
The primary difference between linguistic and communicative competence is that the latter is one of the three other communicative competence that a native speaker or student may have. Another difference is that linguistic competence identifies the ability of a speaker to understand grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of a language. On the other hand, communicative competence may be linguistic, sociolinguistic, discourse, or strategic in nature.
5) Both pragmatics and semantics concern themselves with meaning. What is the major difference between semantics and pragmatics? (5pts)
The primary difference between semantics and pragmatics is that while the two focus on the meanings of words, the latter takes into consideration the context of use to derive its primary meaning.
6) Of the following, identify which is an entailment and which is a presupposition. (5pts) For a bonus 5 pts, explain what is entailed or presupposed in each example.
You should study for the quiz tomorrow. Entailment that the quiz is tomorrow
Aphids, a form of insect, are destructive towards plants. Presupposition that Aphids are pests
Turn off the lights before bed. Entailment that you turn off the lights before sleeping
Protecting yourself during sex is important. Entailment that protecting yourself is important.
Harry Potter is an enthralling series. Presupposition that Harry Potter is a series
Taking a W instead of an F can be better on a transcript. Entailment that one can take a W on a transcript
The Jaguar is a high-speed vehicle. Presupposition that the Jaguar is a vehicle
You should not flirt with co-workers because it can be mistaken for harassment. Presupposition that flirting can be mistaken for harassment
I enjoy watching Psych when I need to decompress. Presupposition that I need to decompress
Eating at McDonald’s is not the healthiest. Entailment McDonald’s is not the healthiest
7) Give one example each of an entailment and a presupposition. (5pts)
David and Jane went for a vacation entails Jane went for a vacation.
In the sentence of Peter no longer writes love poems, there is the presupposition that Peter once wrote love poems.
8) Analysis of Context (15 pts)
Use the criteria from page 35 to analyze context in this clip (15:40 – 19:52) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPgogYcdd-g
