Semantic changes result as a rule in meanings being added to the ones already existing in the semantic structure of the word.
Polysemy
Synchronically we understand polysemy as the coexistence of various meanings of the same word in a certain historical period of the development of the English language.
Polysemy
Relationship between meaning and concept • Word concept referent
word
Concept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3
Referent 1 Referent 2 Referent 3
Polysemy
crane
Internal linguistic factors external linguistic factors
Lecture X
Semantic Relatiip
1. Polysemy 2. Homonymy 3. Synonymy 4. Antonymy 5. Hyponymy
1. Change of Meaning 2. Types of Change
Meaning Extension Meaning Narrowing Meaning Elevation Meaning Degradation Meaning Transference
3. Motivations of Change
Polysemy means a plurality of meaning. In English as in any language the number of meanings is larger than the number of words.
With words, it may be said that polysemy is the rule, and monosemy is the exception.
Homonymy
Homonyms are words different in meaning and either identical both in sound and spelling or identical only in spelling or sound.
Homonymy
Classification of English homonyms: a. Perfect homonyms are identical both in sound and
English Lexicology
Readings Task IX Check
• Chapter 7 & 8 of A Survey of English Lexicology
• Key points in the book will be discussed next week
Review of Lecture IX
Homonymy
(In a restaurant) A: Waiter! B: Yes, sir. A: What’s this? B: It’s bean soup, sir. A: No matter what it’s been, what is it now?
Polysemy
If polysemy is viewed diachronically, it is understood as the growth and development or, in general, a change in the semantic structure of the word.
in a particular direction in order to see or hear something better. e.g. She craned her neck to get a better view...
Polysemy
Please compare the following: • He is a father of two girls. • He is over 30 now. Why not have a girl? • I’ll have a girl help you.
Semantic Relationship
Semantically, all words are related in one way or another.
In light of meaning relations, words can be classified semantically.
Polysemy
in spelling but different in meaning, e.g. bear (n.)/bear (v.) b. homographs are identical in spelling but different in sound and meaning, e.g. tear (n.)/tear (v) c. homophones are identical in sound but different in spelling and meaning, e.g. dear/deer.
1. A crane is a kind of large bird with a long neck and long legs.
2. A crane is a large machine that moves heavy things by lifting them in the air.
e.g. The little hut was lifted away by a huge crane. 3. If you crane your neck or head, you stretch your neck