Semantic Fields and Lexical Relations
Course Information
Posted: Sunday February 23, 2009
Instructions
Honor Code policy: You can discuss the assignment orally with
others taking the class (making sure you are contributing and not just
absorbing others' ideas). Again, don't share written work with one
another (including diagrams) until the assignments are graded. If you
wish, you can test out data on native speakers of English from outside
the class. For our assignments, do not consult linguists (undergrad
students who have studied anything about semantics; linguistics
faculty; or ling. grad students). Use examples to illustrate your
statements.
Assignments must be typed/computer-printed and in general look
reasonably professional. You can append or add in hand-drawn or
computer-drawn diagrams if you wish. Diagrams or pictorial matter
should be explained in the text of your answer.
Aim for about 5 double-spaced pages. Diagrams can be extra if you need
extra space.
Upload your Word file to Owlspace by the deadline: Thursday March 12
9:00 a.m. The filename should be your last name followed by some
indication of the assignment (2). Put your name inside your Word file
and use page numbers.
Total points 100.
Problem
Consider the following set of adjectives describing properties, and
analyze the semantic relations that link these words.
What is the semantic
field or domain represented in the set? (Arrange the words in
whatever order seems appropriate.)
large, long, narrow, small, big, short, little, deep, thick, wide, shallow
In the course of your analysis, say what type of semantic
organization(s) seem(s) best suited for describing the structure of
this lexical field. You might explore various modes of analysis,
adding words to the set where useful.
Analyze specific subsets of the words if you
see subpatterns.
Some of the words are similar with respect to the kinds of nouns they
describe. How?
Throughout your analysis, be explicit about the kinds
of semantic relations or the parameters which group and distinguish
the words you are treating. Include any other semantic
elements you see are necessary to characterize meanings in this domain.
This is a very rich set of words in terms of the semantics of the
words (i.e. the properties they describe) and the relations among
the various words in the set. Focus on the spatial meanings of the words mainly; you can refer
to other senses of particular words if you feel it adds anything to
your analysis of the set as a whole.
© 2009 Suzanne Kemmer
Course Schedule
Due: Thursday March 12, 2009 before class