Q.1.

How closely does the subject matter of semantics seem to correspond with what you
would have thought are the main questions to ask about meaning in language?

1. What is semantics?
Semantics is the technical used to refer to the study of meaning, and, since meaning is a
part of language, semantics is part of linguistics.’ (FR Palmer: 1).
Semantic meaning is context-free
(1) A: ‘Would you like a piece of cake?’
B: ‘I’m on a diet
The semantic meaning of ‘I’m on a diet’ in (1) is ‘I want to lose weight by eating the
food which is not rich in fat, sugar, etc.’
(2) Tom: ‘Do you like the wine I picked out?’
Gina: ‘It’s Italian, isn’t it?’
The semantic meaning of ‘It’s Italian, isn’t it?’ in (2) is ‘Is it right that the wine is made in
Italy?’
2. The subject matter of semantics
The subject matter of semantics is meaning.
Clearly, semantics is a vast subject. ‘Meaning’ is a very vague term: in English it refers
to a variety of different relations between the world, language and speakers. Most languages do
not have precise equivalents for the English term ‘meaning’, and some use a very different
stock of lexical resources to talk about meaning-like phenomena.
3. The correspondence between linguistic meaning and human thought
The way speakers interpret the things they feel, hear and see can be complicated
because it is influenced by personal experiences, norms, cultural rules, traditions and
languages. Thoughts come from words and these thoughts initiate behaviors.
International communication and global business are also affected by languages, thus
the pressing need for localization. To effectively do business in other countries, a company
must be able to deliver messages to their employees and target audiences in a language that can
be correctly and clearly understood. Localization means that all forms of communication must
be translated into the local language so that the interpretation is clear. Local employee training
and corporate culture must conform to local culture.
While intercultural training of expatriates and global executives can be done in another
language, it should be very personalized and written according to the experience and culture of
the people who are to receive the training. If you look at the similarities and differences
between languages, you’ll be able to discover clues on what constitutes proper and improper
behaviors.
Language is a communication tool. It is important in showing social behaviors as well.
It is used by people to interact with the rest of the world. Self-regulating social behavior
requires the presence of language. People expresses his or her feelings and emotions through
language. They learn how to use language to influence other people’s behaviors.