Semantic Field Theory/ Field Theory of Meaning

Semantic Field Theory/ Field Theory of Meaning

            Saussure pointed  out the each word in a language is surrounded by associations. Some have the connections with the five senses, some have the connections with the five senses, some have with form of shape, while some have semantic connections. A given word is in the centre and the others are coordinated words. The following diagram is an example.

            In the first leg the words are linked by the similarity of grammatical form, in the second by the synonyms of ‘teaching’ in the third by the suffix ‘ing’ in the fourth by thought and in the fifth they show opposite relationship. These associations are based on synonyms or antonyms. Some of the associations are embodies in the figurative language; metaphors, similes, proverbs, idioms etc.

            Thus the associative field is like a halo which surrounds the sign and merge with it. The associative field is open. i.e. it has no limits. That way, words belong in never – ending chain – sequences to phrases, sentences and contexts.

            So much word has been done in the semantic field in recent years. Scholars have investigated lexical systems in the vocabularies of different language with particular reference to this field. They are related to colours, weights, and measures. Von Humbold, Saussure and Sapir remark that the vocabularies of different language are ‘non—isomorphic’. This means that the semantic distinctions made in one languages are not made in another language. They means that each language should be looked upon as an organic whole different from all the rest and expressing the individuality of the people who speak it. It is a characteristic of a nation’s psyche and indicates the peculiar way in which nation attempts to realize the ideal of speech.

            Millet argues that one can not know that exact shade of meaning of a word of even a century ago in on’es own language without a close study of the period.