Exploring Semantics and Pragmatics

What is the semantic meaning of the word 'bank' in the context of finance?

• A financial institution that accepts deposits and provides loans.

• A type of fish found in rivers.

• A place to store physical goods.

• A method of calculating interest rates.

How does context influence the interpretation of the phrase 'Can you pass the salt?' in a dinner setting?

• It is a question about the salt's origin or brand.

• It is a request for the salt shaker, but may also imply a need for assistance or social interaction.

• It is a command to throw the salt across the table.

• It suggests that the salt is not needed at all.

What pragmatic principle is at play when someone says 'It's cold in here' to imply that the window should be closed?

• Politeness strategy

• Direct request

• Literal meaning

• Implicature

Identify the speech act in the statement: 'I apologize for being late.'

• Request

• Question

• Statement

• Apology

Define pragmatics in your own words.

• Pragmatics is the study of grammar rules in language.

• Pragmatics focuses solely on the structure of sentences.

• Pragmatics is the analysis of phonetics in spoken language.

• Pragmatics is the study of how context affects meaning in language.

What is the lexical meaning of the word 'dog'?

• A wild animal known for its hunting skills.

• A domesticated carnivorous mammal (Canis lupus familiaris) often kept as a pet.

• A type of bird commonly found in gardens.

• A large aquatic mammal often seen in oceans.

Explain the grammatical meaning of the sentence: 'She is running.'

• The sentence indicates a past action completed by the subject.

• The sentence describes a habitual action performed by the subject.

• The sentence is a question about the subject's activity.

• The sentence describes an ongoing action performed by the subject.

What is a locutionary act? Provide an example.

• An example of a locutionary act is saying 'It's cold in here.'

• An example of a locutionary act is a silent nod.

• A locutionary act refers to the emotional tone of a statement.

• A locutionary act is a type of gesture.

Differentiate between illocutionary and perlocutionary acts with examples.

• Illocutionary acts are about the speaker's intention (e.g., making a request), while perlocutionary acts are about the listener's response or effect (e.g., passing the salt).

• Illocutionary acts cannot influence the listener's actions (e.g., stating a fact).

• Illocutionary acts focus on the listener's feelings (e.g., expressing sympathy).

• Perlocutionary acts are always unintentional (e.g., making a joke).

What is the illocutionary force of the question: 'Are you coming to the party?'

• Suggestion to bring a friend

• Request for confirmation

• Statement about the party time

• Inquiry about attendance