What do you understand by X?
Semantics in Interactional Linguistics
This chapter discusses major developments in the field of Interactional Semantics. After locating
Interactional Semantics within the study of semantics
and introducing major contributions to the field, two approaches for studying semantics in interaction are
exemplified: The study of meta-semantic practices (in
particular, defining) is concerned with actions by which participants clarify local meanings of expressions they are
using; the study of interactional histories is concerned
with how the accumulation of common ground over a series of interactions affects both lexical choices and the
interpretation of the expressions used. The studies show how indexicality, action-orientation, and recipient-design are basic properties of semantic practice in
social interaction.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Points of departure for an Interactional Semantics
- 3.Methodological challenges of studying semantics in
Interactional Linguistics
- 4.Two new approaches to Interactional Semantics
- 4.1Meta-semantic practices
- 4.2Interactional histories
- 5.Conclusion
-
Acknowledgements
-
Notes
-
References