What is Semantics?

Understanding the Meaning of Words in Different Cultures

Semantics is a branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, phrases, and texts. It is essential to understanding how we communicate, as a word can have multiple meanings depending on the context, the country, or even the intonation.

As American linguist Noam Chomsky said:

> “A word means nothing if it is not given a context that makes it meaningful.”

What does semantics study?

Semantics analyzes:

The literal meaning of words (denotation).

The implicit or emotional meaning (connotation).

The changes in meaning according to time, place, or culture.

How context modifies the meaning of what we say.

Types of Meaning in Semantics

1. Lexical Semantics

Studies the meaning of individual words.

Example: “Bank” can be a financial institution or a seat in a park.

2. Compositional Semantics

Analyzes how the meaning of a sentence results from the combination of words.

Example: “Break the ice” doesn't mean physically destroying the ice, but rather starting a conversation.

3. Pragmatic Semantics

Examines how context changes meaning.

Example: “You're so lucky!” can be a compliment or irony, depending on the tone.

Examples of words with different meanings depending on the country

Word	Country A	Meaning	Country B	Meaning
Chucho	México	Dog	El Salvador	Intense cold
Torta	México	Sándwich	Venezuela	Strong blow
Pija	España	Elegant or posh person	Argentina	Vulgar word (refers to male genitals).
Coger	España	To take/ t catch/ to have sex(commonly used)	Colombia	Sexual action(vulgar)

Source: Instituto Cervantes, 2023. Dictionary of Americanisms.

Recommended images to accompany the article:

1. Example of semantics (an animal mouse and a computer device mouse).

3. Diagram of types of semantics: lexical, compositional, pragmatic.

Type of Semantics
Type of Semantics	Definition	Example
Lexical Semantics:	Studies the meaning of isolated (individual) words.	“Bank” can mean either a bank account or a financial institution.
Compositional Semantics	Analyzes how the meaning of a sentence emerges by combining words.	"Breaking the ice" means starting a conversation, not literally breaking the ice.
Pragmatic Semantics	Interprets meaning based on context, tone, or situation.	"Lucky you!" It can be a compliment or an irony, depending on how it's said.

 

4. Photo of a classroom with different languages ​​showing how meaning changes between languages.

Importance of semantics in education, technology, and AI

In education: It improves reading comprehension and helps us interpret literary and scientific texts in depth.

In translation: It's essential for translating not just words, but also intentions and emotions.

In artificial intelligence: AI uses semantic models to understand what we say. Virtual assistants, like Siri or Alexa, rely on semantics to interpret our commands.

> “Semantics is the key for machines to understand humans.”

— Steven Pinker, psychologist and linguist (Harvard University)

Conclusion

Semantics not only teaches us the meaning of words, but also how to think, interpret, and coexist in a culturally diverse world. Understanding that the same word can have different meanings depending on the country or context makes us more empathetic, critical, and effective communicators.