Chapter 8 meaning and context 8.2 the role of context 1 elimination of ambiguity 2 indication of referents 3

2. 2.Indication of referents

3. The context is very important to those deictic words. Without the clear context, the reference can be very confusing. e.g. Betty told Mary that Alice was angry. a) She said it secretly. b) But she didn’t believe her. c) But she wasn’t angry.

5. 1. Definition:     Often the author gives formal definition after the new terms, especially the technical terms.The easiest way to guess the meaning of an unknown word is by looking at “definition” .

6. Examples: 1) A disease that can be spread from one person to another is said to be contagious.

8. Examples: 1)The perimeter, or the distance around the circle, is six meters.

9. 3. Exemplification The author may cite an example which is sufficient to throw light on the meaning of the term. The signal words: Such as , For instance , For example , Like , Especially , Including , Punctuation marks such as - , ; : ( )

11. 4.Synonymy Synonyms and synonymous expressions are also used to explain new words. e.g. 1)The library is the highest edifice on campus, it towers above all the other buildings.

12. 5. Antonymy contrasting words or statements are also employed to explain new words. The signal words:

13. Examples: 1)Unlike her gregarious sister, Jane is a shy person, who does not like to go to parties, or to make friends.

14. 6. Hyponymy Superordinates and subordinates often explain each other. e.g. 1)The village had most of the usual amenities: a pub, a library, a post office, a village hall, a medical centre, and a school.

15. 7.Word-formation The morphemic structure of words, especially compounds and derived words can offer clues for determining the unknown words.

16. 8.Cause and Effect (Result) relationship: Cause and effect are the relationship between sentences and clauses, which are “cause” and “effect” to each other. The signal words: because , due to , in order to , so, so that , therefore , as a result

17. 9.Relevant details 1) In some cases, the author provides details in context which are related to the unknown words, such as the functions, characteristics, nature, etc. of the referent. e.g. In spite of the fact that the fishermen were wearing sou’westers, the storm was so heavy that they were wet through.

18. 2)The context may give the key words and structures to help activate the readers’ schematic knowledge or knowledge of the word to reach the new word. e.g. The fortune-teller was unable to prognosticate the events of the following week.

19. Supplement: Suggested ways for the correct  comprehension of word meaning 1) The use of an up-to-date and adequate monolingual dictionary.

20. Happy New Year!