Semantics
Change in
semantics have various types in accordance to the meaning that one would intent
to provide in their sentences used. Semantics linguistics concerns on trying
“to analyze the conceptual meaning of a word” (Yule, 2010). There are many
classifications on the semantics change in meaning. As such, meanings may also
become more positive or negative, broader or narrower, may involve metaphor or
( different kinds of) metonymy, and may be caused by factors within or outside
language.
Example :
·
Semantics Change : Positive and negative
Positive change is known as amelioration while
negative change in meaning is known as pejoration. As an example for positive
change in word meaning will be taken from a classic example for the word nice.
The meaning of nice when it first appeared in Middle English (about 1300) was (
of persons or their actions) foolish, silly, simple, ignorant, senseless,
absurd.
The are many examples of word s that goes through
change from positive to negative meaning, including the word witch; usually
applied for women and it is almost always used pejoratively, whereas wizard, is
often a compliment. (McArthur, 2005).
·
Semantics Change: Broader vs Narrower
Another category for semantics change includes the
Broadening and Narrowing of word.
Flower (n)
c. 1200, flour, also flur, flor, floer, floyer,
flower, “the blossom of a plant; a flowering plant,” from Old French; elite;
innocence, virginity”. Nowadays, the flower can also be generalized to describe
other types of flowers such as tulip, rose, orchid, etc. therefore, the word
flower has undergone the broadening process in semantics change.
·
Semantics Change : Shift
Indeed, there are several processes in classifying
semantics change in linguistic terms. For instance, semantics change for shift
in meanings. Semantics shifts is a process in which a word loses its former
meaning and takes on a new, but often related, meaning. For example, the word
bead ( the new meaning of the word bead would be prayer bead, bead, etc.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, semantics change classification have
various ways to put the definition of words into their own perspectives. Over
the time, word may undergo changes due to these factors and as exemplified
above. Therefore, in general, semantics change will be an interesting
phenomenon for further research developments in the linguistics field.
