The semantic analysis of sentences consists of choosing among an amalgam of dictionary definitions by relevance, then looking at the way in which the words are arranged. You then weigh each word as to implied meaning, hopefully arriving at what was meant by the speaker. Sort of. It's possible for a sentence to have one meaning as judged by cold construction, and at the same time to conjure up in the mind of the listener a very different meaning in the context of the society in which it was uttered. Dig? Example: "I don't condone violence, nor do I oppose it." By simple construction that implies neutrality on the part of an unknown speaker. In the context of a highly charged crowd being addressed by a high official, it can be taken to mean "Go ahead, be violent. I will look the other way." Dig??
Stumble It!
Tweet This
Bookmark on Delicious
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace