Meaning of language, the use of language and

Semantic and pragmatic meaning

Written by:

Mikael Keni Mulyana (10620133)

Ivana Ayu Suyoso ( 10620104)

A. Introduction

Language is a remarkable human phenomenon, used as a systematic tool that

enables us to deliver our ideas, emotions, and thoughts to each other. Experts in this
very field have provided us with very insightful definitions and observations that shed
light on the nature and universality of language.
In its essence, language is a means of communication, encompassing a vast
array of elements, from spoken and written words to gestures and even the sounds of
everyday objects. This definition, as put forth by experts such as Zadeh in 1975 and
Tseng in 2018, underscores the diversity of ways in which we communicate with one
another. Language transcends mere words and extends to the non-verbal realm, where
everything from the tinkling of a bell to the honking of a car horn conveys meaningful
messages.
One of the intriguing aspects of language, known as "language universals,"
has been a subject of fascination for linguists and scholars. Noam Chomsky, a
pioneering linguist, first introduced the concept of language universals in 1966. These
universals represent the common characteristics shared by all languages, regardless of
their cultural or geographical origins. As elucidated by Chomsky and further explored
by Zadeh in 1971, these language universals offer profound insights into the nature of
human communication.
Among the key features of language universals are: (1) Universal Human
Capacity for Language: Every human being possesses the innate ability to acquire and
use language. It is an integral part of our cognitive development and is crucial for our
interactions with the world. (2) Language Evolution: All languages are dynamic and
subject to change over time. This evolution reflects the adaptability and flexibility
inherent in language, allowing it to remain relevant and responsive to the needs of its
users. (3) Absence of a Primitive Language: There is no single "primitive" language
from which all others have evolved. Instead, each language boasts its own unique
complexity and intricacies, reflecting the diverse cultures and societies that use them.
(4) Vowels and Consonants: Across all languages, the distinction between vowels and
consonants is a fundamental feature. These phonetic elements serve as building blocks
for spoken language, allowing us to create and articulate meaningful words and
expressions. (5) Sound Combinations: All languages possess a set of sounds that can
be combined to form meaningful elements, such as words and phrases. This versatility
in sound production enables the rich diversity of languages worldwide. (6) Nasal
Vowels: In every language, the number of nasal vowels (vowels produced with
airflow through the nose) is consistently lower than the number of non-nasal vowels.
This characteristic, while subtle, highlights the underlying patterns that exist in
linguistic diversity.
Semantics is the study of meaning. More specifically, it involves the study of
the relationship between linguistic expressions and their meanings. Pragmatics is the
study of context. More specifically, it involves examining how context affects our
understanding of linguistic utterances.
The term semantics was first formally used in 1897 by Breal. From this we
may conclude that Brel was the first to highlight the nature of language meaning in
a formally acceptable way. Although scientists have always been interested in the
quest to understand meaning, the term semantics was not mentioned as a term nor
 did it appear in the literature until 1897, when it was first used by Breal. The first
attempts by philosophers to study meaning gave rise to the field of semantics, so-
called philosophical semantics, which studies the relationship between linguistic
expressions and the phenomena in the external world to which they refer.
Philosophical semantics is the study of the conditions for the truth and falsity of
these linguistic expressions and the phenomena they refer to. This goes back to the
writings of Plato and Aristotle.
Pragmatics is about the choices and constraints available to the user based on
context. In pragmatics, the focus is on the pairing of sentences with their
corresponding context. Research has found that language choice can have an
impact on listeners and their responses. When using language, you can adhere to
norms of politeness, tact, formality, and respect. Pragmatics is believed to
determine the appropriate interpretation of a sentence, as there may be differences
between literal and implicit meanings. Differences in meaning arise due to the
situation, common background and linguistic context of expression.
According to Kempson (1986), pragmatics is the study of the general
principles required to retrieve information from a specific discourse depending on
the context. The focus is not necessarily on the grammatical or structural properties
of the sentence. In fact, our human communication depends heavily on context.
This means that the meaning of each communication is based on the interpretation
of the listener. We also emphasize the impact of the message, the participants, the
conclusions drawn from the utterance, the meaning said or assumed, and the non-
verbal aspects of the interaction on meaning
Peirce believed that philosophical semantics developed as semiotics in the
United States, while in France, influenced by Saussure, the term semiotics was
used. However, the idea of truth-based semantics is Tarski's most important
contribution. Linguistic semantics emphasizes the properties of natural language,
while pure semantics or logical semantics is the study of the meaning of
expressions using logical systems or calculus. Examining semantics in this
dimension makes them inherently more mathematical than languages. It is worth
noting that the discussion of semantics as a branch of linguistics has only recently
begun, and this will be our next focus

B. Discussion

1. The usage of language in the film ‘Arrival’

"Arrival" is a thought-provoking film that places language and communication

at its core. When mysterious extraterrestrial beings arrive on Earth, the complexity of
their circular written language becomes a central challenge for linguist Louise Banks.
The movie delves into the intricate process of deciphering this language, highlighting the
Sapir-Whorf hypothesis that suggests language can shape thought. As Louise learns the
alien language, her perception of time becomes nonlinear, emphasizing the profound
influence language can have on one's understanding of reality.
 Moreover, "Arrival" underscores the importance of language in fostering
global cooperation. As nations grapple with the aliens' presence, effective
communication becomes crucial in preventing misunderstandings and conflicts. Beyond
its linguistic complexities, the film also explores the emotional and personal dimensions
of language, showcasing how it can convey deep emotions and facilitate connections
between individuals. In "Arrival," language is not just a means of communication but a
powerful tool for understanding, connection, and bridging the gap between different
species.

Pragmatics helps us go beyond the literal meaning of words and utterances and
focus on how meaning is constructed in context. When we communicate with other
people, there is a constant negotiation of meaning between the listener and speaker.
Pragmatics is concerned with this negotiation and attempts to understand what people
mean when they use language and how they communicate with each other.
Semantic refers to the meaning or interpretation of words, phrases, sentences, or
even larger units of text. It's a fundamental concept in linguistics, computer science,
artificial intelligence, and various other fields. The study of semantics aims to
understand how words and sentences convey meaning and how we comprehend and
interpret that meaning

Example 1 - The "Royale with Cheese" Scene:

In one iconic scene, Jules Winnfield (played by Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent Vega
(played by John Travolta) are having a conversation in a car while on a mission. They
discuss the difference between American fast food and European fast food, specifically
hamburgers. Jules mentions that in France, they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese a
"Royale with Cheese."

Semantic Meaning:

1. The semantic meaning here refers to the literal definition of the words and
phrases used. In this case, "Quarter Pounder with Cheese" and "Royale with
Cheese" have the same core meaning they both refer to a specific type of
hamburger with cheese.

Pragmatic Meaning:

2. The pragmatic meaning, on the other hand, considers the implied or contextual
meaning of the dialogue. In this context, Jules and Vincent are hitmen engaged in
 a dangerous mission. Their conversation about fast food serves to humanize them
and create a sense of normalcy and relatability. It adds depth to their characters
and creates a humorous moment, providing a contrast to the violent world they
inhabit.

In this example, the semantic meaning relates to the literal definition of the
words, while the pragmatic meaning is more about the subtext, context, and the
impact of the conversation on the overall tone and characterization in the film.

This distinction between semantic and pragmatic meaning is a central aspect

of how language functions in real-world communication, and it's often used by
filmmakers to enrich their storytelling.

Example2

Semantic Meaning:

Semantic meaning refers to the literal or dictionary meaning of words or

phrases, irrespective of context.

1. Example from the movie "The Lion King":

In the movie "The Lion King," there's a scene where Simba, the lion cub and
future king, is told by his father Mufasa about the circle of life. The semantic
meaning of "circle of life" is a literal interpretation of the continuous cycle of
birth, life, death, and rebirth in the animal kingdom.

Pragmatic Meaning:

Pragmatic meaning involves the interpretation of words or phrases based on

context, speaker intentions, and the situation.

2. Example from the movie "Pulp Fiction":

In the movie "Pulp Fiction," there's a scene where Jules, a hitman, says the
phrase "Does he look like a bitch?" when discussing a tense situation. The
semantic meaning of this phrase is straightforward—it's a question about the
appearance of someone. However, the pragmatic meaning in this context is
 aggressive and confrontational, suggesting that the situation is tense, and Jules is
challenging the behavior of the person they are discussing.

In both examples, the semantic meaning is what the words directly mean,
while the pragmatic meaning is the interpretation influenced by context, tone, and the
speaker's intentions.

C. Conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration of language meaning and use, as well as the
distinction between semantic and pragmatic meaning, illuminates the multifaceted
nature of human communication. This paper has delved into the intricacies of
language, emphasizing that meaning extends far beyond the mere dictionary
definitions of words. Semantic meaning provides the foundational building blocks,
representing the literal sense of words and phrases, while pragmatic meaning
enriches our understanding by incorporating context, intention, and the dynamic
nature of communication.

References:

Cruse, D.A. 2000. Meaning in Language: An Introduction to Semantics and

Pragmatics.Oxford: Oxford University Press

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
323457155_AN_INTRODUCTORY_COURSE_ON_SEMANTICS_AND_PRAG
MATICS