Marie-Dahlia Chaperon LIN 100
Studying Semantics throughout different
Languages
In class, when studying semantics we focused on the semantics within the
English language which makes sense because this course is for English
speakers. I, however, am someone who enjoys languages and learning them. So
I took it upon myself to research what semantics looks like for the different
languages throughout the globe. Topics in semantics are very hard to come
across due to the fact everyone is just explaining the basic definition.
According to the University of Sheffield, “Semantics can be described as the
study of meaning.”
When looking within the French language it provides a tremendous amount of
semantic examples. For instance tu vers vous. They both mean ‘you’ when
directly translating in English but semantically they express different levels of
formality, respect or formality.
Language is one of the most powerful tools humans possess. A word can start
wars, create love stories, heal relationships, or leave permanent scars. Yet
behind every sentence lies something deeper than vocabulary alone. This
deeper study of meaning is known as semantics, a branch of linguistics that
examines how humans interpret words, emotions,and ideas through languages.
While some words appear simple on the surface, their meanings often carry
emotional associations that differ from person to person. This distinction between
literal and emotional meaning is explored through denotation and connotation.
Denotation, according to the Cambridge dictionary, ‘the main meaning of the
word not including the feelings or ideas.”
In Creole we have a common phrase used when greeting someone, “nap
boulee”. Therefore, the direct translation becomes "we burn.” However,
semantically the phrase actually means “I’m doing well” or “we’re good.” This
demonstrates how semantics goes beyond direct translation. Without
understanding the culture behind the language, one could misunderstand the
phrase entirely. The emotional and cultural meaning attached to words is often
more important than the literal definition itself.
Korean also provides strong examples of semantics through honorific speech. In
Korean, speakers change words and sentence endings depending on who they
are talking to. For example, the simple phrase, “Thank you,” can be said as
gomawo or gamsahamnida. Both phrases express gratitude, but they carry
different levels of politeness and respect. Gomawo is casual and usually used
with close friends or younger people, while gamsahamnida is formal and
respectful. To an English speaker, both phrases simply mean “thank you,” but
semantically they communicate social hierarchy, age difference, and the
relationship between speakers. This reflects how language is deeply connected
to culture and social expectations.
Semantics also plays a major role in misunderstandings between cultures and
individuals. Certain words or phrases may seem harmless in one culture but
offensive in another. Even tone can alter meaning. For example, sarcasm relies
heavily on semantic interpretation because the literal meaning of the words often
differs from the speaker’s intended meaning. This proves that understanding
language requires more than memorizing vocabulary; it requires understanding
human emotion, social context, and cultural background. For example,
misunderstandings can sometimes occur between French speakers and
Haitian-Creole speakers, even though the languages are historically connected.
This can be seen with the Haitian-Creole phrase “ou mechan.” Literally, the word
mechan may resemble the French word méchant, meaning ‘mean’ or ‘bad.’
However, in Haitian culture the phrase can sometimes be used playfully or
teasingly among friends depending on tone and context. Without understanding
the semantic and cultural meaning behind the phrase a French speaker could
misunderstand the speaker’s intentions.
Semantics can make or break a friendship but is the reason we are able to
communicate in the first place. Next time you think someone has offended you
think again.
References
Archibald, J., Katamba, F., O’Grady, W., 2011. Contemporary linguistics: An
introduction; Second Edition. USA: Pearson
U/mujjngum. “Common Korean Semantics.” Reddit, r/linguistics, May 2022