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Mid Term Test

The document outlines a mid-term test on English semantics for M.A. students at Hanoi Open University, including sections on word meaning, sense versus reference, and the relationship between proposition and utterance meaning. It provides specific prompts for students to compose their answers, emphasizing the importance of context, culture, and individual interpretation in understanding language. The test is structured to assess students' comprehension and analytical skills in semantics.

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3 views

Mid Term Test

The document outlines a mid-term test on English semantics for M.A. students at Hanoi Open University, including sections on word meaning, sense versus reference, and the relationship between proposition and utterance meaning. It provides specific prompts for students to compose their answers, emphasizing the importance of context, culture, and individual interpretation in understanding language. The test is structured to assess students' comprehension and analytical skills in semantics.

Uploaded by

phuong.duonghong8384
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HANOI OPEN UNIVERSITY MID-TERM TEST ON ENGLISH SEMANTICS

FOR M.A STUDENTS


Time allowance: 90 minutes
Index number
Full name: Dương Thị Hồng Phương Examiner 1:………………….
Date of birth:07/03/1983 ……………………………….
Detached number
Group: Examiner 2: …………………
Date of exam 14/9/2024 ………………………………..

Scorer 1: ……………………….. Detached number


…………………………………. Score (in number): ………….....
Scorer 2: ………………………. Score (in word): …......................
………………………………….

1. Write a short composition beginning with the sentence: “There are


several views on what a word means”. Give examples for illustration. (4
pts)
2. Discuss the difference between sense and reference. (3 pts)
3. Discuss the relationship between proposition and utterance meaning. (3
pts)
ANSWER

1. Write a short composition beginning with the sentence: “There are


several views on what a word means”. Give examples for illustration. (4
pts)
There are several views on what a word means. At its core, a word can be seen as a
combination of sounds or letters that conveys a specific idea or concept. For instance, the
word "tree" universally represents a tall plant with a trunk and leaves. However,
interpretations can vary based on context.
In literature, "tree" might symbolize growth, life, or stability, while in a scientific
discussion, it could refer to specific classifications in botany, such as "deciduous" or
"coniferous." Furthermore, cultural differences can also influence meaning; in some
cultures, trees are revered as sacred entities, representing wisdom or ancestry.
Additionally, language evolves over time, leading to shifts in meaning. Take the word
"gay," which historically meant joyful or carefree but has since become widely
recognized as a term for sexual orientation. This evolution illustrates how societal
changes can reshape our understanding of words.
Ultimately, the meaning of a word is not fixed but is shaped by context, culture, and time,
making language a dynamic and fascinating aspect of human communication.

2. Discuss the difference between sense and reference. (3 pts)


Sense

1. Definition: Sense refers to the mental concept or meaning that a word conveys. It focuses
on the properties and relationships that define a term.

2. Contextual Understanding: The sense of a word remains relatively stable across


different contexts. For example, the sense of "bank" encompasses meanings related to a
financial institution, the side of a river, or a place for storing resources. Each of these
meanings has specific attributes associated with it.

3. Cognitive Aspect: Sense is linked to how speakers of a language understand and


interpret a word. The sense of "mother," for instance, includes notions of nurturing,
familial relationships, and caregiving, regardless of who the specific individual is.

Reference

1. Definition: Reference relates to the actual objects, entities, or individuals that a word
denotes in the real world. It is concerned with the specific instances that a term can point
to.

2. Variability: References can change based on context. For example, the reference of
"president" may change depending on the time and place; it could refer to Joe Biden in
the current U.S. context or to another leader in a different country or era.
3. Specificity: Reference is concrete and often identifiable. When someone says "the Eiffel
Tower," they are referring to a specific landmark in Paris, France. The reference is clear
and can be pointed to in reality.

Examples to Illustrate the Difference

 Word: "Cat"

 Sense: The concept includes attributes such as being a small, domesticated feline
known for its agility and companionship.

 Reference: The specific cat named “Bun” that lives next door.

 Word: "Book"

 Sense: The idea of a collection of written pages bound together, often containing
stories, information, or knowledge.

 Reference: A particular book like "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.

Importance of the Distinction

Understanding the difference between sense and reference is essential in various fields, including
linguistics, philosophy, and artificial intelligence. It helps clarify how meaning is constructed
and communicated, revealing the complexities of language use.

By examining both sense and reference, we gain insight into how words function not just as
labels for objects but as carriers of rich, nuanced meanings that can vary depending on context,
culture, and individual interpretation.

3. Discuss the relationship between proposition and utterance meaning. (3


pts)

The relationship between proposition and utterance meaning is fundamental in semantics and
pragmatics, helping to clarify how language conveys information and intent.
Proposition Meaning

1. Definition: A proposition is the underlying meaning of a statement; it represents the idea


or claim that can be evaluated as true or false. For example, the proposition of the
sentence "The sky is blue" asserts a specific state of affairs that can be verified through
observation.

2. Abstract Nature: Propositions are abstract and not tied to any specific instance of
communication. They focus on the content of what is being stated, independent of who is
saying it or the context in which it is said.

3. Universal Applicability: A proposition can remain consistent across different utterances.


For example, "Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius" expresses a proposition that holds true
regardless of who states it or when.

Utterance Meaning

1. Definition: Utterance meaning refers to the specific meaning conveyed by a speaker at a


particular time and place. It encompasses not just the content of the proposition but also
the context, tone, intent, and any additional nuances that affect interpretation.

2. Context-Dependent: Utterance meaning is heavily influenced by context. For instance,


the utterance "Can you pass the salt?" may seem like a simple question but is typically
understood as a polite request rather than an inquiry about someone's ability to pass the
salt.

3. Speaker's Intent: Utterance meaning includes the speaker's intentions and the effects
they aim to achieve through their words. This can involve nuances like sarcasm, humor,
or urgency that affect how the message is received.

Relationship Between Proposition and Utterance Meaning

 Complementarity: Proposition meaning provides the foundational content, while


utterance meaning adds layers of context and intent. Both are essential for fully
understanding what is communicated.
 Interaction: The same proposition can take on different utterance meanings depending
on context. For example, the proposition "It’s cold in here" could be a neutral
observation, a complaint, or even a subtle request to close a window, depending on how
and when it is said.

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