Semantics 01. Utterance, sentence and proposition overview

Summary

In this introductory video on semantics, Bolton explores the study of meaning in language, emphasizing the distinction between speaker meaning and sentence meaning. He discusses how utterances, sentences, and propositions interact in communication, highlighting that not all sentences convey straightforward information. Additionally, he touches on the complexities of translation between languages and the public nature of propositions compared to private thoughts. This foundational overview sets the stage for understanding the nuances of linguistic theory and its role in facilitating communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 Semantics is the study of meaning in language, part of the broader field of linguistic theory.
• 🤔 There is a distinction between speaker meaning (what a speaker intends) and sentence meaning (the literal meaning of the sentence).
• 🗣️ An utterance is a stretch of speech by one person, marked by silence before and after it.
• 📜 A sentence is a string of words that follows grammatical rules and is not a physical event.
• 💡 A proposition is the meaning behind a declarative sentence that describes a state of affairs.
• 🔄 Propositions can be expressed in different languages, and sentences can correspond to the same proposition.
• ⚖️ The truth value of propositions can be used to determine if two sentences express different propositions.
• 🌍 Perfect translation between languages is often debated, with some arguing it's impossible.
• 🧠 Propositions are public objects of thought that can be understood by different individuals.
• 🗨️ Thoughts are private mental processes and should not be confused with propositions.

Q & A

What is semantics?

Semantics is the study of meaning in language.

How does semantic theory relate to linguistic theory?

Semantic theory is a part of the larger enterprise of linguistic theory, which includes the study of syntax and semantics.

What are the two important distinctions in semantics mentioned in the video?

The two distinctions are speaker meaning, which refers to what a speaker intends to convey, and sentence meaning, which refers to the literal meaning of the sentence itself.

Why is the distinction between speaker meaning and sentence meaning important?

This distinction is crucial for analyzing the various forms of communication enabled by language, as the same words can convey different meanings depending on the context.

Can you give an example where sentence meaning differs from speaker meaning?

Yes, if someone says 'Have a nice day' in response to being told they were inconsiderate, they may not genuinely wish the other person a nice day; their words have a different implied meaning.

What is an utterance?

An utterance is a stretch of speech by one person, marked by silence before and after, and it is considered a physical event.

How does a sentence differ from an utterance?

A sentence is a string of words constructed according to grammatical rules, while an utterance refers to the actual spoken event.

What is a proposition in the context of semantics?

A proposition is the part of the meaning of a declarative sentence that describes a state of affairs and can be asserted or questioned.

Why can't propositions be tied to a specific language?

Propositions are abstract and can be expressed in different languages; thus, sentences in different languages can correspond to the same proposition.

What is the difference between propositions and thoughts?

Propositions are public objects of thought accessible to different individuals, whereas thoughts are private, personal mental processes.