The building blocks of language Syntax and Semantics The building blocks of language

Syntax: The words and how they properly fit together: Convey the in understand are words presented not meaning do order can they some unless reader.

This is the importance of syntax! Corrected: Words do not convey meaning unless they are presented in some order the reader can understand. This is the importance of syntax!

Syntax: see sentences on handout.

Fixed: We had several homework assignments. Sally has climbed most of the highest mountains in the world.

JABBERWOCKY by Lewis Carroll (See handout)

Semantics: Define this word: sewer The meaning of the words, individually and collectively. Define this word: sewer

Do we use it this way: . . .or this way: Into the small pond.” “The sewer emptied Into the small pond.” . . .or this way: “The sewer worked on her dress all night long.”

This is the importance of semantics! sewer? What we mean by “sewer” determines how we might use it. This is the importance of semantics!

One more: Sick: Does it mean this Or this?

Your turn: Choose one of the words listed in #3 of your handout, identify at least two different meanings, and write a brief sentence for each of the two meanings.

Your turn: The hunter removed the hide from the deer. The deer tried to hide from the hunter. He noticed an open grave in the cemetery. You made a grave mistake going there. The chef will cook and season the food. The team lost every game last season.

Denotation & Connotation Denotation: what the words mean in a literal sense Connotation: suggested or implied (understood) meaning

Denotation & Connotation Sometimes there isn’t a dictionary definition we can use to understand meaning. The meaning is implied by the speaker, and inferred by the audience. Denotation = dictionary definition Connotation = implied meaning

Denotation & Connotation He is a lying snake. Never in a million years would I do what you suggest.

Denotation & Connotation Identify a saying (sentence, phrase, etc.) that most people recognize in a connotative sense, but would have a very different meaning if taken denotatively (literally). Write it in #4 on your handout.

Some other useful information Banned words and phrases: This list is available in the top box of my Moodle page. You don’t need to copy these down, but do pay attention!

Banned words: That basically really well Like thing fact boring Stupid lame besides usually Because since* stuff lots So-called situation issue

Banned phrases: “I think . . .” “To me . . .” “instead of” “for the reason that . . .” “In my opinion . . .” “Due to . . .” “in life . . .” “Should of . . .,” “Could of . . .,” “Would of . . .,” and others similar “A lot”

Banned phrases: “sort of” “kind of” ALL slang ALL contractions ALL lazy words (gonna for “going to”; U for “you”; 2 for “to”, “too”, or “two”; + or & for “and,” etc.)

Additional notes: Woman = 1; women = more than one (think man/men) “Each other” is always two words; so is “high school.” “Every day” and “everyday” are both correct, but are correct only in certain circumstances, and are never interchangeable.

Remember There is a place and time for both formal and informal language. When you are submitting something for an assignment for a class – for English or any other subject – formal language should be used.