Denotation, Connotation and Implication in Semantic

DENOTATION, CONNOTATION AND IMPLICATION

A.DENOTATION

a.           Denotation Definition

            Denotation is generally defined as literal or dictionary meanings of a word in contrast to its connotative or associated meanings. Let us try to understand this term with the help of an example. If you search for meaning of the word “dove” in a dictionary, you will see that its meaning is “a type of pigeon, a wild and domesticated bird having a heavy body and short legs.” In literature, however, you frequently see “dove” referred to as a symbol of peace.

b.               Function of Denotation

Readers are familiar with denotations of words but denotations are generally restricted meanings. Writers, therefore, deviate from the denotative meanings of words to create fresh ideas and images that add deeper levels of meanings to common and ordinary words. Readers find it convenient to grasp the connotative meanings of words because of the fact that they are familiar to their literal meanings.

c.                Example of denotation

For example, were Juliet to look up the word 'rose' in the dictionary, she would find something like, 'a bush or shrub that produces flowers, usually red, pink, white or yellow in color.' Similarly, street names, like Sistrunk Boulevard or Northeast Sixth Street, tell people where they are and help them get to where they want to go.

B. CONNOTATION

a.                Connotation Definition

Connotation refers to a meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly. Words carry cultural and emotional associations or meanings in addition to their literal meanings or denotations.  For instance, “Wall Street” literally means a street situated in Lower Manhattan but connotatively it refers to “wealth” and “power”.

b.               Positive and Negative Connotations

Words may have positive or negative connotations that depend upon the social, cultural and personal experiences of individuals. For example, the words childish, childlike and youthful have the same denotative but different connotative meanings. Childish and childlike have a negative connotation as they refer to immature behavior of a person. Whereas, youthful implies that a person is lively and energetic.

c.                Connotation Examples

Below are a few connotation examples. Their suggested meanings are shaped by cultural and emotional associations:

·                                        A dog connotes shamelessness or an ugly face.

·                                        A dove implies peace or gentility.

·                                        Home suggests family, comfort and security.

d.               Function of Connotation

In literature, connotation paves way for creativity by using figures of speech like metaphor, simile, symbolism, personification etc. Had writers contented themselves with only the literal meanings, there would have been no way to compare abstract ideas to concrete concepts in order to give readers a better understanding .Therefore, connotative meanings of words allow writers to add to their works, dimensions which are broader, more vivid and fresher.

C. IMPLICATION

implication is meaning which a speaker or writer intends but does not communicate directly. Where a listener is able to deduce or infer the intended meaning from what has been uttered, this is known as (conversational) implicature.

For example : A: We are late! à It is mean that they must quickly.

References : 

www.dictionary.com/browse/denotation

www.enotes.com ›

http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/explain-difference-between-denotation-connotation-114729

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EUPHEMISM

What is Euphemism?

A Euphemism is The term euphemism refers to polite, indirect expressions which replace words and phrases considered harsh and impolite or which suggest something unpleasant.

Euphemism depends largely on the social context of the speakers and writers where they feel the need to replace certain words which may prove embarrassing for particular listeners or readers in a particular situation.

 

Function of Euphemism

Euphemism helps writers to convey those ideas which have become a social taboo and are too embarrassing to mention directly. Thus, euphemism is a useful tool that allows writers to write figuratively about the libelous issues.

Types of Euphemisms

 v  To Soften an Expression - Some euphemisms are used to make a blunt or obnoxious truth seem less hard.
Examples:

·         Passed away instead of died

·         On the streets instead of homeless

    
      v  Euphemisms to be Polite - Some euphemisms are used to take the place of words or phrases one might not want to say in polite circle.

Examples:

·         Adult beverages instead of beer or liquor

·         Economical with the truth instead of liar

·         Between jobs instead of unemployed

v  Euphemisms to be Impolite - euphemisms are intentionally a callous or insensitive way of saying something. These euphemisms are usually used when being sarcastic or trying to make light of a serious subject or make it seem less serious.
Example:

·         Bit the dust instead of died

·         Blow chunks instead of vomited

·         Bit the farm instead of died

  

Examples of Euphemisms

Euphemism is frequently used in everyday life. Let us look at some common euphemism examples:

• Poor - economically marginalized
• Lazy - motivationally deficient
• old age - golden age, golden years
• confinement - detention
• sick - indisposed, ill, under the weather
• toilet - john, WC, men's room, restroom, bathroom, washroom, lavatory

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Symbol and Referent in Semantic

What is semantics?

Semantics is the study of meaning. It is a wide subject within the general study of language. An understanding of semantics is essential to the study of language acquisition (how language users acquire a sense of meaning, as speakers and writers, listeners and readers) and of language change (how meanings alter over time). It is important for understanding language in social contexts, as these are likely to affect meaning, and for understanding varieties of English and effects of style. It is thus one of the most fundamental concepts in linguistics. The study of semantics includes the study of how meaning is constructed, interpreted, clarified, obscured, illustrated, simplified negotiated, contradicted and paraphrased

Symbol and referent

These terms may clarify the subject. A symbol is something which we use to represent another thing - it might be a picture, a letter, a spoken or written word - anything we use conventionally for the purpose. The thing that the symbol identifies is the referent. This may sometimes be an object in the physical world (the word Rover is the symbol; a real dog is the referent).

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“Tidak ada kata ‘TIDAK’ kalo mau berusaha, optomis dan selalu berusaha”

“Tidak ada kata ‘TIDAK’ kalo mau berusaha, optomis dan selalu berusaha”

Berawal dari keisengan, bermula dari ajakan teman untuk mengikuti suatu organisasi, yaitu ekstrakurikuler bola voli yang awalnya saya tidak mengerti tentang bagaimana cara bermain bola voli, awalnya saya tidak mengerti apapun tentang cara bermain boli voli itu gimana, setiap hari sabtu karena ekstrakurikuler saya mempelajari bagaimana cara bermain voli. Awalnya teori dan juga ada prakteknya awalnya si saya gk bisa tapi karena sering latihan disekolah dan juga dirumah lama-kelamaan saya bisa untuk bermain voli ya walaupun hanya bisa sedikit tapi saya yakin dan saya akan berusaha agar saya bisa bermain voli yang hebat.

 Setelah beberapa bulan saya mengikuti ekstrakurikuler ini, akhir nya saya bisa bermain voli dan saya juga mengikuti suatu perlombaan antar kelas dan tim saya memenangkan perlombaan tersebut hingga meraih juara 2 antar kelas.. 

Saya senang, karena yang awalnya saya hanya iseng- iseng mengikuti ekstra tersebut hingga saya menjadi sekarang ini. 

Karena tiada kata tidak untuk melakukan suatu dan selalu berusaha sampai kita bisa meraihnya.

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