Semantics and pragmatics in Construction Grammar

Abstract

This squib provides a theoretical discussion on the use of the terms semantics and pragmatics in Construction Grammar. In the literature, the difference between semantics and pragmatics is often conceptualized either in terms of conventionality or in terms of truth-conditionality (Huang 2014, 299). It will be shown that, even though constructionists claim that there is no semantics–pragmatics distinction, both these underlying concepts are central to the study of constructions. Therefore, the aim is twofold. First, in keeping with Cappelle (2017), it will be argued that constructionists should make more explicit the distinction between the two types of (encoded) meaning. Second, it will be shown that constructionists need to be more terminologically consistent and agree on how to use the terms semantics and pragmatics. Following Depraetere (2019), I will argue that the terms semantics and pragmatics are most explanatory when defined in truth-conditional terms. In this way, finer-grained understanding of the meaning of constructions can be achieved.

Making meaning withbe able to: modality and actualisation

“…To this end, it is necessary to define our view on what exactly constitutes semantics and pragmatics, terms which have become increasingly ambiguous and which cover different loads. In this article, we adopt the approach defended in Depraetere (2019) and Leclercq (to appear).…”

“…Among the different approaches to the semantics–pragmatics distinction, two views particularly stand out (see Huang 2014: 299): one considers conventionality to be a defining criterion (view 1: conventional meaning whether truth-conditional or not is semantic, inferred meaning is pragmatic), the other builds on truth-conditions (view 2: truth-conditional meaning whether conventional or inferred constitutes semantics, non-truth-conditional meaning is pragmatic in nature). Following Leclercq (to appear), we assume that a more explanatory alternative can be obtained when these two approaches are combined (see table 2)…”

“…Construction Grammar, cf. Leclercq to appear) seems particularly well suited to address the challenges discussed in this article. Actualisation is a conventional functional property of be able to , but it does not contribute to the truth-conditional content of the proposition expressed by the speaker.…”

Role of Semantics in Figurative-Texture of Matthew Arnold’s Dover Beach

“…The semantic process plays a crucial role in learning the literal and contextual meanings of a poem's figurative texture (Bredin, 1992;Cuccio et al, 2014;Depraetere, 2019). Improper understanding of semantics mechanism and contextual theories may also lead the familiar and determined audiences to learn ambiguous messages and meaning of a word (Leclercq, 2020;Satta, 2020) that has many possible meanings which create semantic ambiguities and conflicts (Hoffman et al, 2013). However, a poem audience must know how the meaning of a word or phrase works and how he or she can remove confusion to comprehend the literal meanings in the figurative language contexts of a poem.…”

Applying constructional approach to second language teaching and learning

“…constructions. B. Leclercq also states that 'when discussing the meaning of constructions, one already focuses on meaning conventions' [4]. Moreover, the notion of construction 'encompasses morphemes, words, idioms, as well as abstract phrasal patterns' [5].…”