The meaning of the two terms connotation and denotation is closely related to the theoretical framework one takes as his perspective, and it varies broadly across theories. In logico-philosophical semantics, denotation corresponds to the bi-directional relationship between a set of entities in the world and the linguistic expressions used to refer to them, whereas reference/extension is viewed as a more specific relationship between one specific entity in the world and the word in a given utterance used to mention it. In a similar vein, connotation is often paired with sense/intension, but while sense encompasses the whole set of properties of an entity, intension refers to the qualities of the entity which are implied in a given utterance. In modern linguistics Saussure offered a clear distinction between the two labels. Stemming from his semiotic dichotomy of the sign, which is conceived of a signifier and a signified, denotation refers to the meaning of a word as is given in a dictionary, the objective semantic content codified by the signifier, whereas connotation refers to any other semantic implications that are part of the speaker’s value in a given context.

Connotation and Denotation

BAICCHI, ANNALISA
2009-01-01

Abstract

The meaning of the two terms connotation and denotation is closely related to the theoretical framework one takes as his perspective, and it varies broadly across theories. In logico-philosophical semantics, denotation corresponds to the bi-directional relationship between a set of entities in the world and the linguistic expressions used to refer to them, whereas reference/extension is viewed as a more specific relationship between one specific entity in the world and the word in a given utterance used to mention it. In a similar vein, connotation is often paired with sense/intension, but while sense encompasses the whole set of properties of an entity, intension refers to the qualities of the entity which are implied in a given utterance. In modern linguistics Saussure offered a clear distinction between the two labels. Stemming from his semiotic dichotomy of the sign, which is conceived of a signifier and a signified, denotation refers to the meaning of a word as is given in a dictionary, the objective semantic content codified by the signifier, whereas connotation refers to any other semantic implications that are part of the speaker’s value in a given context.
2009
9780748626199
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11571/140413
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