Chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW - Definition, types of word meaning - Components of word meaning Chapter 3 : THE STUDY Trang 10 - Distinction between denotation and connotation.. Chapter
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Language is a crucial cultural element that goes beyond merely learning vocabulary; it involves understanding how words connect to the concepts and events they represent Recognizing the varying meanings of words across different cultural contexts is essential for effective communication.
Language allows individuals to articulate their actions, thoughts, and desires, often leading to multiple interpretations of a statement The distinction between literal and figurative meanings highlights that words can convey more than one significance Understanding that most words encompass both a literal meaning and emotional undertones is essential Denotation refers to the explicit meaning of a word, while connotation encompasses the associated feelings and ideas, making these two concepts crucial for grasping the full spectrum of word meanings.
The adage "A picture is worth a thousand words" highlights the power of visual imagery, but conversely, "One word is worth a thousand pictures" emphasizes the profound impact of language Each word carries a specific dictionary definition that encapsulates its meaning, illustrating the depth and richness of communication.
A "church" is primarily defined as a building for worship, but its connotations can vary significantly for different individuals For some, it represents a source of comfort, a venue for weddings, or a place they were obliged to attend during childhood These varied interpretations highlight how personal experiences and contexts shape our understanding of the term "church." However, it's important to recognize that these connotations can lead to misunderstandings and confusion about its true meaning.
Understanding word meaning, especially denotation and connotation, is essential for English learners to enhance their comprehension and application of the language This necessity prompted the author to select the research topic "A Study on Denotation and Connotation in English."
Aims of the study
This study aims at several points:
- To point out the relatedness between denotation and connotation
- To clearly show the distinction between denotation and connotation
- To get some suggestions for studying denotation and connotation.
Research questions
This study aims to deepen the understanding of denotation and connotation in the English language, facilitating their effective application and minimizing misunderstandings It seeks to address key questions related to these linguistic concepts.
1 What are the relatedness between denotation and connotation?
2 What are the distinction between denotation and connotation?
3 What are the suggestions for studying denotation and connotation?
Method of the study
This research is carried out basing on the main method which analyzes and gives examples for denotation and connotation
In this research, the author gathered insights on word meanings, focusing specifically on denotation and connotation The findings were then organized and analyzed, highlighting the distinctions between the two concepts To further clarify these differences, the author provided illustrative examples Additionally, the research involved referencing various online websites, dictionaries, and books dedicated to the study of denotation and connotation.
Furthermore, my graduation paper also bases on myself experience and my knowledge during the process of learning English.
Scope of the study
Due to time constraints, limited experience, and insufficient references, my graduation paper does not comprehensively address all aspects of word meaning Instead, it primarily emphasizes the key characteristics of denotation and connotation in the English language, supported by illustrative examples.
Design of the study
The study is divided in four parts
It includes the rationale, aims, research questions, method, scope and design of the study
- Definition, types of word meaning
- Relatedness between denotation and connotation
- Distinction between denotation and connotation
- Some suggestions for studying denotation and connotation
Summaries all things, mentioned previous parts of the study and suggestions for further study.
LITERATURE REWIEW
Definition of word meaning
The meaning of a word in the English language can be complex, as a single word may encompass multiple meanings According to Leech (1981), "meaning" and its corresponding verb "to mean" are among the most discussed terms in English Understanding word meanings can be challenging, often leading to misunderstandings and confusion due to a lack of consensus on their definitions Two important aspects of word meaning are connotation and denotation, which frequently arise in discussions about language.
“Word meaning can be more or less described as a component of the word through which a concept is communicated.” (Nguyen Hoa, 2004)
Type of word meaning
Word meaning consists of different components, commonly categorized into types of meaning As noted by Hoang Tat Truong (1993, p.53), there are two primary types of meanings associated with words: grammatical meaning and lexical meaning.
Grammatical meaning is what unites words with different lexical meanings It is the meaning recurrent in identical sets of different words
Words can be categorized into distinct groups based on their grammatical characteristics For example, terms like "house," "book," "man," and "word" are classified as singular nouns in the grammatical common case In contrast, words such as "pretty," "tall," "dark," and "white" function as adjectives, describing qualities or attributes.
Lexical meaning is the realization of concept or emotion
The term "house" evokes a specific image and concept in our minds, illustrating the idea of lexical meaning, which refers to the inherent understanding and mental representation associated with a word.
Lexical meaning is divided in two types :
- Direct meaning (literal meaning): is the meaning that directly denotes something without comparing it or associating with other things
- Indirect meaning (figurative meaning): is the meaning that indirectly denotes something To understanding it we have to compare it or associate with other things.
Components of word meaning
Denotative meaning refers to the objective, literal definition of a word, often found in dictionaries According to Rababah (2015), it represents the direct or conceptual meaning, while Crystal (2008) describes it as the essential properties required for a term to be applicable to a specific object or idea This classification of meaning plays a crucial role in semantics, highlighting the importance of understanding the literal interpretation of language.
Denotation refers to a word's capacity to identify all objects or concepts it accurately represents, as defined by Nguyen Hoa (2004, p.93) For instance, the term "hat" enables speakers to recognize and categorize all items that can be classified as hats.
The denotational meaning, as described by Hoang Tat Truong (1993, p.54), refers to the explicit indication of objects, concepts, and phenomena For instance, the term "bird" denotes a flying animal, while "father," "dad," and "daddy" denote a male parent Additionally, terms like "rain" and "shine" denote natural phenomena.
Denotation is the meaning of a word which is primarily refers to the real word, the
A dictionary definition provides a specific meaning by outlining a set of semantic properties that identify the concept linked to a particular word For example, the term "cow" refers to a type of animal, while "house" denotes a type of building.
According to Lyons (1995, p.77-81), denotation refers to the fundamental relationship between expressions and physical entities in the external world For instance, the term "trouser" denotes a category of clothing worn on the lower body, "woman" signifies all women globally, and "sad" describes the state of being sad Additionally, Lyons emphasizes that denotation is closely linked to the concept of reference.
Richards, Platt, and Platt (1992) define denotation as the specific meaning of a word or phrase that connects it to real-world phenomena, whether factual or fictional For example, the denotation of "bird" refers to a two-legged, winged, egg-laying, warm-blooded creature with a beak They further elaborate that within a meaning system, denotative meaning represents the "central" or "core" meaning of a lexical item, often aligned with referential, cognitive, and conceptual meanings, although distinctions between these terms are noted by some linguists and philosophers.
Denotative meaning, as described by Trask (2005, p.46), refers to the primary, literal meaning of a word that can be reasonably assigned to it This concept of denotation can be understood as the standard definition derived directly from the word itself.
The denotative meaning of a word is its literal definition, as found in the dictionary Denotation specifically refers to words with meanings that are clearly defined in reference materials In essence, denotative meaning represents the actual meaning of a word, accessible through a dictionary.
According to Nguyen Hoa (2004): Denotation, which includes: conceptual and referential meanings a) Conceptual meaning (sometimes called denotative or cognitive, denotation)
Meaning is often regarded as the key element in linguistic communication, which is characterized by a complex and sophisticated organization Two fundamental principles underpin all linguistic patterns: contrastiveness and structure.
E.g : A word “table” : a piece of furniture used for writing at b) Referential meaning
This is the ability to refer to objects or things (often called referent)
E.g : Can you get me a book ? vs I bought a book this afternoon
It could be a history book, a notebook, or whatever image appears before the mind’s eye representing to that person
According to Nguyen Hoa (2004): Some scholars argue that the denotation of a word/expression includes another part called the referential component (or reference)- hence a confusion between denotation and reference
Denotation refers to the inherent ability of a word to identify all objects that it accurately describes, such as the term "hat," which encompasses all items recognized as hats This aspect represents the conceptual component of a word's lexical meaning, remaining consistent and independent of specific instances of use, as noted by J Lyons (1995) In contrast, reference denotes the connection between a word and the specific objects it denotes, known as referents For instance, when someone states, "I saw a car in the corner," the phrase "a car" refers to a particular instance within its class, making reference variable and dependent on context Unfortunately, the distinction between denotation and reference is frequently overlooked.
According to Hoang Tat Truong (1993, p.54), connotational meaning reveals how concepts are indicated while also expressing the speaker's emotions and attitudes For instance, terms like "father," "dad," and "daddy" share the same denotational meaning but differ in connotational significance Similarly, words such as "face," "mug," and "muzzle" illustrate this distinction.
Connotative meaning refers to the additional communicative value of an expression, influenced by cultural context, historical periods, and individual experiences, beyond its basic conceptual definition.
• To people in general: neutral connotation: a cold-blooded, legless, reptile, has little emotional content
• To snake - bitten people: negative connotation: horrible, dangerous, scary animal
Connotation develops as words gain associations with specific characteristics of the items they describe For example, the historical burden placed on women, characterized by traits like frailty, inconstancy, and irrationality, has led many to associate these connotations with the term "woman." It's crucial to note that these associations can differ significantly among individuals and communities, as connotation is linked to personal experiences rather than fixed definitions Consequently, the term "woman" may evoke contrasting connotations for a misogynist compared to a feminist (Fromkin, 1990, p.205).
Connotative meaning, as defined by Barker (2001, p.4), refers to the additional communicative value that an expression holds beyond its literal definition This implicit meaning enriches the understanding of a word, adding depth to its interpretation.
Connotation is more complicated than denotation According to Widarso (1989, p.69) states that besides the denotative meaning, a word sometimes has the emotional overtones or we call connotative meaning
Wilkins (1983, p.122) emphasizes that connotative meaning goes beyond denotative meaning, connecting to it only indirectly This aspect primarily reflects the attitudes and emotional responses of the language user towards a word's usage.
THE STUDY
Relatedness between denotation and connotation
Connotation and denotation are a part of language and communication They are two principal methods of describing the meanings of words
Denotative meaning refers to the literal definition of a word, such as "cow" for the animal or "house" for a building, serving as the foundation for understanding language In contrast, connotative meaning encompasses the associations and emotional implications that words carry beyond their denotative definitions, which can vary significantly across different societies and generations This subjectivity means that connotations are not universally shared among speakers of a language, as individual experiences shape our understanding of words Consequently, connotation remains fluid and unstable, reflecting the unique and personal relationship each person has with language and the world around them.
Wilkins (1983) emphasizes that connotative meaning extends beyond denotative meaning, connecting to it in a more indirect manner This type of meaning is primarily focused on the language user's attitudes and emotional responses to specific words.
Roland Barthes (1983, p.107) introduces the concept of orders of signification, distinguishing between denotation as the first order and connotation as the second order In semiotics, Barthes emphasizes that the examination of signs goes beyond their primary meanings, focusing instead on the connotative meanings that arise The first order involves the relationship between the signifier and the signified, collectively forming what is known as denotation From these signs, additional meanings and mental concepts emerge, leading to a new layer of interpretation referred to as connotation.
Semiotics is the study of sign systems and symbols in human communication, encompassing various forms such as words, images, sounds, and objects (Chandler, 2014) It involves two key elements: the signifier, which represents the physical aspect of the sign, and the signified, which conveys its associative meaning These elements are interdependent, highlighting the intricate relationship between perception and conceptual understanding in communication.
The signifier represents "what we see," while the signified reflects "how we see." This relationship, known as signification, illustrates the connection between perception and interpretation.
• Denotation: is the first order of signification that conveys a sign literal meaning
Denotation is what recognises, describes and identifies a sign
• Connotation: is the second order of signification that relates a socio-cultural association/conceptual meaning Connotation is a result of previously conceived ideas, personal associations and emotional responses related to a sign
These two terms are easy to confuse because they describe related concepts Additionally, both denotation and connotation stem from the Latin word “notāre”, meaning “to note”
Take a closer look at how connotation and denotation relatedness with the examples
A sea is a substantial body of salty water that occupies a significant portion of the Earth's surface, characterized as being smaller than an ocean and often partially or entirely enclosed by land.
It connotes overwhelming space, danger, instability
It denotes the planet third in order of distance from the sun, between Venus and Mars; the world on which we live
It connotes safety, fertility and stability
It denotes the star that provides light and heat for the Earth and around which the Earth moves
It connotes power, lordship, light, illumination, fun, summer, life, fertility It is no surprise that powerful kings and organisations want to associate themselves with the sun
Its denotation: An adult female human being
Its connotation: Woman may mean positively devotion, patience, generosity…, and negatively frailty, inconstancy, irrationality
It denotes high temperature but when we say “she/he is hot”, what mean is that she/he is extremely cute, attractive, beautiful,
It denotes low temperature but when we describe a person as cool, what we mean is that the person is calm and unemotional, especially in a difficult situation
Its denotation: A fox is a wild mammal belonging to the dog family that has a pointed face and ears, a wide tail covered in fur, and often reddish-brown fur
Its connotation: In many cultures, the fox appears in folklore as a symbol of cunning and trickery, or as a familiar animal possessed of magic powers
It denotes a large wild animal of the cat family with yellowish-brown fur that lives in Africa and southern Asia
It connotes strength, courage, royalty, important, successful, powerful kingship and leadership
It denotes a large animal with four legs that people ride on or use for carrying things or pulling vehicles
The horse symbolizes a strong willingness to work and embodies independence, representing power across various cultures It is often seen as an emblem of life-force and is associated with the four elements: Earth, Fire, Air, and Water, highlighting its significance in cultural beliefs worldwide.
Its denotation: A large female farm animal kept to produce meat and milk
Its connotation: In many cultures the cow is symbolic of Mother Earth, and has been a symbol of fertility, nurturing, and power The cow is also a lunar symbol
It denotes a reptile with a long body and no legs
It connotes horrible, dangerous, scary, a treacherous person; an insidious enemy, a cold-blooded person
Its denotation: A large animal with a long neck, that lives in the desert and has one or two humps ( = large raised areas of flesh ) on its back
Its connotation: Camels are symbols meaning both humility, willingness to serve and obstinacy
In medieval art and sculpture, the camel symbolizes humility and the readiness to carry others' burdens, as these animals are trained to kneel for loading heavy weights.
- In the East, camels are famous as being disagreeable and obstinate
- For Egyptians, camels are symbolic of complainers and those who are slow on their feet
Its denotation: A large wild animal of the cat family with yellowish-orange fur with black lines that lives in parts of Asia
In Japan, the tiger symbolizes the esteemed samurai warriors, embodying the virtue of courage Additionally, it signifies concepts such as revision, improvement, change, and the essence of Zen goodness.
- In Chinese culture, tiger bring neutral connotation of dignity, ferocity, sternness, courage
Its denotation: A small animal with fur, four legs, a tail, and claws, usually kept as a pet or for catching mice
- The positive connotation of graceful motion, affectionate playfulness, noble reserve and admirable self sufficiency
- The negative connotation of stealthiest, spitefulness, coldness and haughty disdain
It denotes a stocky seed or fruit-eating bird with a small head, short legs, pointed tail and a cooing voice
Its connotates peace, love, innocence, gentleness, tenderness, harmony, tranquillity
Its denotation: A plant, usually having a very tall stem and a single large, round, flat, yellow flower, with many long, thin, narrow petals close together
Sunflowers are symbols of adoration, loyalty, and longevity, embodying warmth, positivity, power, strength, and happiness due to their resemblance to the sun Known as "happy" flowers, they make ideal gifts to brighten someone's day In Chinese culture, sunflowers represent good luck and lasting happiness, making them popular gifts for graduations and new business ventures.
Its denotation: A garden plant with thorns on its stems and pleasant-smelling flowers, or a flower from this plant
Its connotation: In fact, each rose colour has a different meaning
- Most of us are familiar with what the red rose means, having been used across cultures to represent love, romance and Valentine’s Day
- The meaning of yellow roses is warmth and happiness
- The meaning of white roses is purity and grace
- The meaning of purple roses is enchantment and love at first sight
Its denotation: A type of tropical water lily (a plant with large, flat leaves that float on the surface of lakes and pools)
Its connotation: Lotus color is related to meaning this flower carries within
- White lotus flower is a symbol of purity, spiritual perfection, innocence, goodness, heaven and faith
- Pink lotus flower is a symbol of harmony, romance, love, tenderness, relaxation and affection
- Blue lotus flower is a symbol of peace, inspiration, confidence, sincerity, wisdom, and rest
- Red lotus flower is, as you can suppose, associated with passion, romance, love, power, and domination
It denotes the colour of the sky without clouds on a bright day, or darker or lighter type of this
It connotes positively calm, peace, truth, wisdom, loyalty, optimism and faith and negatively sadness, bore
The denotation is a colour between blue and yellow; of the colour of grass
Green symbolizes life, renewal, and nature, embodying concepts of growth, harmony, freshness, safety, and fertility Additionally, it is linked to financial themes such as money, banking, ambition, greed, jealousy, and the dynamics of Wall Street.
The denotation is any color having components of both red and blue, such as lavender, especially one deep in tone
The connotation is often associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition Purple also represents meanings of wealth, creativity, wisdom, dignity, devotion, peace, pride, mystery, independence, and magic
Its denotation: the actual building someone lives in
Its connotation: it most often refers to family, comfort, and security
Hollywood, located in Los Angeles, is renowned as the heart of the American film industry The term evokes images of glitz, glamour, and tinsel, symbolizing the allure of celebrity and the aspirations of stardom.
It denotes the organ in your chest that sends the blood around your body
It connotes love, affection, soul, will, life-giving, complex, courage, compassion
Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, while connotation encompasses the associated characteristics and emotions tied to that word Both denotation and connotation are integral to understanding the full meaning of language, as they work collaboratively to convey the value of specific terms Research indicates that these two aspects of meaning coexist, enriching our comprehension of language.
Distinction between the denotation and connotation
Connotation and denotation are not two separate things/signs They are two aspects/ elements of a sign, and the connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings
Denotation and connotation are two fundamental types of meaning in language Denotation refers to the literal definition of a word, while connotation encompasses the implied or emotional associations that words carry For instance, the term "home" denotes a physical place of residence, but it also connotes feelings of warmth, comfort, and belonging Understanding the distinction between these meanings is essential for effective communication and interpretation.
A "home" and a "house" share similar primary meanings, with a home defined as a shelter that serves as the usual residence for individuals or families, while a house is simply a building where people live However, these terms evoke different connotations; "home" is often associated with belonging and comfort, whereas "house" typically refers to a physical structure without the emotional warmth of a home.
A distinction currently made by modern linguists is that between the denotation of a word and the connotations associated with it Let us see these ideas:
Denotation refers to the objective, referential meaning of a word that is shared within a speech community, as highlighted by Bell (1991) In contrast, connotation encompasses the subjective, associated meanings that are personal and may vary among individuals For instance, while the denotative meaning of "dog" is universally recognized, its connotations differ widely; some may view dogs with affection and loyalty, while others might feel disdain Furthermore, cultural differences can influence these connotations, as seen in the more negative perceptions of "kalb" among Arabic speakers compared to the generally positive associations English speakers have with "dog," despite both terms denoting the same animal.
Lyons (1977) and Leech challenge the binary distinction between denotation and connotation, opting for a more nuanced understanding Despite differing perspectives, it remains evident that connotation is intrinsically linked to synonyms Specifically, while synonyms share the same denotative or cognitive meaning, they can vary significantly in their connotative implications.
❖ The words - slender, scrawny, bony, gaunt
Denotation: All of these words are synonyms of thin and are used to describe someone or something without much body fat
- Slender is often used as a way to describe someone who is both thin and attractive
- Scrawny is often associated with weakness
- Bony usually conjures up images of someone who is unattractive and hard-looking
- Gaunt is often associated with hunger and malnutrition
❖ The words - chef and cook
Denotation: Both words denote someone who prepares food
Connotation: A “chef” has the connotation of being professional and accomplished, while a “cook” has a connotation of being someone who makes food as an amateur or for friends and family
❖ The words - shrewd and clever
Denotation: Both words denote intelligence
Connotation: “shrewd” has a connotation of selfishness and trickery; “clever” has a much more positive connotation of quick-wittedness but without the sense of selfishness that is connected to “shrewd”
❖ The words - skinny and slim
Denotation: Both words denote thinness
Connotation: “skinny” has a connotation of overly thin, bony, or a bit awkward,
“slim” has a connotation of a graceful or beautiful thinness
❖ The words - journalist and newshound
Denotation: Both words denote someone who reports on the news
Connotation: “journalist” connotes a certain sense of honor and nobility in the job, whereas “newshound” connotes a kind of amoral, “feeding frenzy” quality to the gathering and dissemination of the news
Denotation is considered neutral, focusing solely on conveying the factual information of a word In contrast, connotation is subjective, influenced by personal experiences and the speaker's attitude towards their words and the audience.
Shunnaq (1992, p.47) asserts that denotation relates lexical items to the non-linguistic entities they represent, equating it to referential, conceptual, propositional, or dictionary meaning In contrast, connotation encompasses the emotional and evaluative responses—strong, weak, affirmative, or negative—that words evoke Essentially, connotative meaning serves as the secondary interpretation of a word or expression, supplementing its explicit or primary meaning.
According to Chaer (1994), connotative meaning can be categorized into two types: positive connotative meanings, often referred to as "purr words," and negative connotative meanings, known as "snarl words." In addition to these, there exists a neutral connotative meaning, which primarily encompasses jargon language.
Here are the examples of positive and negative connotative meaning :
❖ The words - childish and childlike
Both these mean characteristic of a child But “childish” connotes negative qualities like immaturity, pettiness whereas “childlike” connotes more positive qualities like innocence, meekness
❖ The words - home, house, shelter
Denotation: These words all refer to a place where people live
- House has a pretty neutral connotation, and most people just associate it with the structure of the building
- Shelter has more of a negative connotation of something that only covers basic needs and doesn’t provide additional warmth
- Home has a much more positive connotation and is often associated with family and positive memories made in the house
❖ The words - grin, beam, sneer, simper
Denotation: These are all synonyms for smile
- Both grin and beam have positive connotations and are generally associated with someone who is genuinely happy
- Sneer has a negative connotation and is usually associated with someone is cruel or scornful
- Simper also has a negative connotation, but is usually associated with someone weak or unintelligent
❖ The words - group, clique, club, and gang
Denotation: A set of more than one person
- Group has a neutral connotation The word simply describes a number of people It does not inspire either positive or negative feelings
A clique refers to a group of individuals but often has a negative connotation due to its association with exclusionary behavior This term is typically used to describe groups that intentionally leave others out, which can create an unwelcoming atmosphere Therefore, it is essential to use the word "clique" cautiously, as its negative implications may deter people from wanting to engage with your group.
- Club also refers to a group of people, but this word has a more positive connotation because a club is a collection of people that voluntarily come together for a shared passion or purpose
- Gang is defined as an organized group, but it has very negative connotations The use of this term suggests criminal activity and/or violent behavior
The primary distinction between denotation and connotation lies in their stability; while denotation is fixed and universally recognized, connotation is more fluid and influenced by context, culture, historical period, and personal experiences Connotation arises from emotional and affective responses, highlighting the subjective nature of meaning.
Kreidler (1998) distinguishes between denotative and connotative meanings in language Denotative meaning refers to the literal dictionary definition shared by the sender and receiver, while connotative meaning relates to the sender's personal experiences and the values that arise in communication This implies that understanding meaning involves recognizing both the explicit definitions of words and their contextual significance.
A chair is commonly defined as a piece of furniture designed for sitting, typically featuring a backrest for support and four legs for stability While this description applies to standard chairs, the connotation of the word "chair" can vary significantly based on context For instance, finding a chair after a long walk can evoke positive feelings, while tripping over a chair in a dark classroom can lead to negative associations, highlighting the subjective nature of how we perceive everyday objects.
The term "mother," which signifies a "female parent," evokes feelings of love, care, forgiveness, and tenderness, reflecting cultural associations that extend beyond dictionary definitions As noted by Chaika (1989), connotative meanings reveal how individuals perceive the impact of words, illustrating the cultural values that shape positive or negative interpretations These cultural patterns inform what language speakers find comfortable or uncomfortable, highlighting the deep emotional connections tied to the concept of motherhood.
Many real estate agents focus on selling "homes" rather than just "houses." The term "home" evokes feelings of family, happiness, and security, while the word "house" tends to remind buyers of materials like concrete and lumber, as well as practical concerns like next year’s taxes.
The term "foxy" varies in meaning across cultures; in British English, it signifies "cunning or tricky," while in American and Australian contexts, it often refers to "sexy," particularly in relation to women.
Both “woman” and “chick” have the denotation “adult female” in North American society, but “chick” has somewhat negative connotations, while “woman” is neutral
In English, “owl” generally implies wisdom and calmness, for example, the phrase
The phrase "as wise as an owl" reflects the English-speaking world's association of this bird with wisdom, often depicted as solemn and knowledgeable in children's literature and cartoons In contrast, the Chinese perception of owls is largely negative, as their hooting is associated with fear and considered a harbinger of bad luck and sinister omens.
So, comes the common Chinese saying, (an owl visiting a home portends a misfortune in that house)
Some suggestions for studying denotation and connotation
Understanding the denotative and connotative meanings of words is crucial for effective communication Many learners struggle with these concepts, particularly with denotative meanings, which can lead to confusion The author also faced challenges in grasping these meanings during their learning process Unlike denotative meanings, which are straightforward, connotative meanings are influenced by cultural context Since Vietnamese and English cultures differ significantly, this can result in misunderstandings when studying word meanings.
The researcher wants to propose some suggestions to solve this problem Hopefully these suggestions are expected to provide new ideas for a better learning process:
Learning our native language simultaneously involves understanding our culture, which facilitates quicker and easier acquisition of our first language Once learners grasp the basic structures, they can communicate effectively; however, to express themselves clearly in diverse situations, they must expand their knowledge of English culture This is crucial as meanings and connotations can evolve over time and differ across societies To prevent misunderstandings regarding word meanings, it is essential to actively explore various methods to enhance our awareness of English culture and the cultural distinctions between English and Vietnamese.
Historically, the terms "gangster" and "thug" referred to violent individuals engaged in criminal activities, often linked to male immigrants from Italy, Ireland, and other European nations during the Depression era Today, however, these terms are predominantly associated with African-American males, suggesting a focus on material wealth, hyper-sexuality, and posing threats to middle-class suburban communities Furthermore, "thug" and "gangster" have permeated youth culture, influencing clothing styles, attitudes, and values, and leading to the emergence of numerous related terms.
Let us see some other examples:
In English culture, “family” usually refers to the family of two generations including parents and children, even refers to the family of a couple, which does not want children
In Vietnamese culture, the “family” refers to the family of three generations including grandparents, parents and children; sometimes it even refers to the family of four generations
In English, “dragon” stands for monster, demon, evil or savage They all bring negative connotations
In Vietnamese culture, the dragon is a powerful symbol of prestige and high status During feudal times, individuals who succeeded in national exams and attained the rank of mandarin were often likened to dragons, reflecting their esteemed position in society.
In some English idioms, “monkey” can be used to refer to people who are funny, restless and agitated person
In Vietnamese culture, when denoting to human, “monkey” also represents bad qualities It is used for a person with bad behaviors, a cunning person, an incompetent person who has high position
In the minds of English people “dog” regarded as man’s best friend, are trustworthy and empathetic
In the Vietnamese culture “dog” is often abusive to others; in the negative sense, this represents stingy character, unscrupulous, and hatred
The term "cat" in English embodies both positive and negative meanings, representing an ordinary individual or an authoritative figure In various idioms and proverbs, it often refers to individuals with questionable character traits, suggesting qualities such as nervousness, restlessness, promiscuity, imitation, and unfaithfulness.
In Vietnamese idioms and proverbs, the term "cat" carries negative connotations when describing a person It is often used to characterize individuals as dull, scamps, unfriendly, quarrelsome, or those who conceal malicious intentions.
Engaging with English books, movies, and native speakers enhances learners' understanding of words within their cultural context For instance, while reading, taking a moment to pause and reflect on the context can aid in deciphering meanings Additionally, the vast resources available on the Internet provide valuable information to address any uncertainties learners may have.
Learning new words effectively involves noting their meanings and usage, which aids in remembering even the most challenging vocabulary When you encounter an unfamiliar word, write it down in your notebook and look it up in a dictionary If the meaning remains unclear, seek clarification from friends or teachers for accurate understanding Once you acquire new vocabulary, consistently practice using it in your daily communication to reinforce your learning.
In American English, "pants" and "trousers" refer to leg-worn clothing, but "trousers" convey a more formal tone It's important to note that in British English, "pants" means underwear, highlighting a significant difference in denotation.
The term "boss" often carries a more negative connotation, creating a clearer distinction between the individual and their subordinates compared to the more inspiring term "leader." Additionally, the contrast between "bossy" and "demanding" highlights this difference; while "bossy" implies an unreasonable authority, a "demanding" person requests high standards from others for justifiable reasons.
Both "burden" and "obligation" denote responsibilities that individuals must fulfill, but they differ in intensity A burden is typically a heavy load that complicates life for the person carrying it, whereas an obligation is a requirement that one may fulfill without feelings of resentment.
While both "cheap" and "affordable" indicate low cost, "cheap" often implies poor quality or low value, whereas "affordable" suggests a well-priced item or service that maintains quality.
To enhance vocabulary mastery, learners should actively engage with lecturers and peers, utilize online resources for word verification, and practice consistently Collaborating with friends and teachers in everyday situations facilitates easier retention and application of new words As a result, learners will expand their vocabulary and experience fewer challenges in understanding word meanings.
Learners who possess high motivation and a positive attitude towards learning vocabulary and a second language tend to study more effectively than those lacking such attitudes Enhancing students' positive outlook towards a specific academic subject can boost their desire to learn and improve their ability to apply what they have learned, leading to better achievement Without the motivation to memorize words, mastering English becomes impossible, as a lack of understanding results in disinterest, making English feel like a tedious subject.
CONCLUSION
Conclusion
Language serves as a symbolic tool for expressing ideas, objects, and emotions Within this framework, connotation and denotation are essential for grasping the meaning of unfamiliar terms Denotation refers to a word's literal meaning or dictionary definition, while connotation encompasses the emotional or rhetorical associations linked to a word Recognizing the interplay between connotation and denotation is crucial for language acquisition and literary comprehension, as it aids learners in distinguishing explicit meanings from implicit ones, along with their associated feelings and ideas.
Limitation of the study
This study is constrained by limited data sources due to time restrictions and challenges in accessing relevant references Additionally, the research reflects certain weaknesses and limitations stemming from the author's inexperience and capabilities in conducting research.
I sincerely appreciate any comments, advice, and suggestions regarding this study, as they are invaluable in enhancing the clarity and overall quality of this paper.
Suggestion for further study
The researcher has been completed with the author’s great efforts, although mistakes may not be avoided There are some topics for future research:
- A study on denotation and connotation in communication
- A study on denotation and connotation in English American literary works
- A study on denotation and connotation in English idioms and proverbs
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