SEMANTIC UNIT
Charles François (2004). SEMANTIC UNIT, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(2): 3003.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3003 ▶ |
| Object type | Epistemology, ontology or semantics |
- “A whole group of words or even of sentences acting together, rather than single words acting in isolation.” (D. Mac KAY, 1969, p.29)
This definition may be extended towards nonspoken or written expresions. A red stop sign at a crossroads or the ominous roar of thunder, or for a mouse in a field the shape of a sparrowhawk in the sky are somehow bearers of meaning for whom has been trained to understand them (see “semiosis”).
On the other hand, any language may be considered as a matrix of countless semantic units.
As noted by G.M. WEINBERG, not only the interrelations between words, but even implicit syntactic and semantic knowledge by the users of the language, are conditions of correct interpretations and suppression of ambiguities. He submits the following amusing example:
- “TIME FLIES LIKE AN ARROW”
- “FRUIT FLIES LIKE A BANANA” (1975, p.65)
and uses it to show the difficulties in resolving ambiguities in computer programs.