All languages have one thing in common: their sentences and phrases, if grammatically correct, posses meaning of some sort. Sentences and phrases are built from words. The words account for meaning of their own and fit together together to form larger units of meaning.
So how do words work? How does an individual process words into meaning and useable information? "Semantics" is a field that explores these questions.
There are two types of "semantics," linguistic and
metaphysical. "Linguistic" semantics is concerned with the meanings
behind phrases, sentences and how the two create meaning within a person's
mind. "Metaphysical" semantics concerns the nature of meaning, such as what
gives meaning to words in an individual's mind. To explore both of these
fully would be a gargantuan task so, we will keep it less complex.
Elements of semantics
Links with more information about semantics
Sammy, the semantics mascot ! ! !
Bibliography of sources used for this project
