Hermenegildo Augusto Valeriano

Assignment I

English Language Course Licence Degree, Distance Learning, Year V

Rovuma University

Nampula, May, 2024

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 Hermenegildo Augusto Valeriano

Assignment I

English Language Course Licence Degree, Distance Learning, Year V

Essay of Semantics and Discourse

Analysis subject taught by:
Ma Hermenegildo da Helena Nicolau

Rovuma University

Nampula, May, 202

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 Index

Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4
1. Definition of Semantics and Discourse Analysis ................................................................... 5
2. Object of Study ...................................................................................................................... 5
3. Importance of semantics to the language teacher .................................................................. 5
4. Sentences................................................................................................................................ 6
5. Utterance ................................................................................................................................ 6
6. Propositions............................................................................................................................ 6
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 7
Bibliography .............................................................................................................................. 8

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Introduction

The present essay of the Semantics and Discourse Analysis subject will make a brief
summary about an introduction to Semantics and Discourse Analysis, material provided on
the platform. The main focus of the essay will be on the following aspects: definition of terms
and discourse analysis, object of study, importance to the language teacher, sentences
utterances and propositions. Therefore, the methodology used to elaborate the present essay is
based of qualitative approach through the understanding of the material provided.

The work is organized by the following structure: introduction, development, conclusion and
bibliography.

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 1. Definition of Semantics and Discourse Analysis

Semantics
According to Cambridge Dictionary (2024), Semantics is the study of meaning in language,
focusing on how words, phrases, and sentences convey specific meanings, as well as how
these meanings are interpreted and understood by different speakers and listeners.
Semantics explores the relationship between language and the world, and how meaning is
constructed and conveyed through linguistic expressions.

Discourse analysis
According to Fairclough (1995):
Discourse analysis is the study of language use in context, focusing on how
language functions in communication and how it shapes and reflects social
interactions. It involves analyzing both spoken and written language to understand
how language is used to convey meaning, maintain social relationships, and
negotiate power dynamics.
Discourse analysis examines not only the words themselves, but also the larger
communicative context, including the participants, their roles, the setting, and the cultural and
historical factors that influence communication. This approach helps reveal how language is
used to construct meaning, identity, and social reality.

We analyze discourse to understand the world better and how language is used in real life. By
examining the social use of language, we can appreciate its multiple functions, such as
creating meaning and maintaining certain social norms and common knowledge

2. Object of Study
The main object of study in semantics is the meaning of linguistic expressions, including
words, phrases, and sentences. On the other hands, semantics seeks to understand how
meaning is created, interpreted, and communicated within a language system. This involves
examining the relationships between words and their referents in the world, as well as the
ways in which context and cultural factors influence interpretation. Semantics also delves
into the structure of meaning and the principles that govern how meaning is constructed in
language.
3. Importance of semantics to the language teacher

Semantics is important to language teachers for several reasons. Understanding the meaning
of words, phrases, and sentences is crucial for effective language instruction. When teachers

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incorporate semantic knowledge into their teaching, they are able to help students develop a
more precise and accurate use of language. This includes teaching students how to express
themselves clearly and how to interpret meaning in various linguistic contexts.

In conclusion, semantics is essential for teachers because it underpins effective

communication, supports learning and understanding, fosters critical thinking skills, and
contributes to the overall quality of teaching and learning experiences in the classroom.

4. Sentences

According to The Cambridge Dictionary (2024) sentence “is a set of words expressing a
statement, a question or an order, usually containing a subject and a verb”.
Example:

 John is doing his PHD degree in Brazil

 My mom works as a nurse

A sentence is a grammatically complete string of words expressing a (partial) complete

thought.

5. Utterance

Hurford, Heasley & Smith (2007), define utterance as:

Any stretch of talk, by one person, before and after which there is silence on the
part of that person. An utterance is the use by a particular speaker, on a particular
occasion, of a piece of language, such as a sequence of sentences, or a single
phrase, or even a single word.
Utterance, is the study of language, an instance or token of speech understood to encompass a
limited sequence of orally produced sounds exhibiting the phonetic properties and syntactic
structures of words, phrases, sentences, or other grammatical constructions of a given
language

6. Propositions

In the field of semantics, propositions refer to the meaning or content of a declarative

sentence, which can be true or false. It is also a basic unit of meaning that can be expressed
by a statement, playing a fundamental concept role in understanding how language conveys
information and truth conditions.

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 Conclusion

After having done the work, was realized that semantics helps to understand how words,
phrases, and sentences convey specific meanings, as well as how these meanings are
interpreted and understood by different speakers and listeners. Semantics is essential for
teachers because it underpins effective communication, supports learning and understanding,
fosters critical thinking skills, and contributes to the overall quality of teaching and learning
experiences in the classroom.

Furthermore, discourse is analyzed to understand the world better and how language is used
in real life. By examining the social use of language, we can appreciate its multiple functions,
such as creating meaning and maintaining certain social norms and common knowledge.

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Bibliography

Dictionary, C. (2024). Semantics. Cambridge University Press

Fairclough, N. (1995). Critical Discourse Analysis: The critical Study of Language

Hurdford, J. R; Heasley, B; & Smith, M. B. (2007). Semantics: A course book.

2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press.