Semantics

Semantics is the systematic study of meaning in language, especially word and sentence meaning.  There are two types of semantics;   

Lexical Semantics: 
How words mean?  

and 

Compositional Semantics: 
The study of how words + syntax work together to make meaning in a sentence.   

Semantic Relationships: 

Hyponym: 
denotes a set of hierarchical semantic relationships. 
Hypernym=superordinate and Hyponym=subordinate        Example:  Hypernym=dog
                                                                                                                                      Hyponym=labrador, mutt, retriever 

Meronymy: 
figures in the relationship of whole to part. 




Synonymy: 
when words have the same meaning

Antonymy: 
Words that are opposite each other           Ex.   Synonym vs. Antonym   

Homonymy:
When words have radically different meanings. 

Practical Application in the Classroom

This is a study guide on the semantic relationships that I've listed above.  It goes into more depth on semantics and its impact in language aquisition. 

Suggestions for the Classroom:

1.  Engage your students and colleagues in a discussion that is highlighted by the ethos that our language changes with the population of students that we teach. 

2.  Focus your classrooms towards the meaning of content and academic vocabulary.  Make them learn it and make them use it.  You are a language teacher!  

3.  Look for opportunities to include words pertaining to the semantic relationship above.