Semantics

Semantics is defined as the study of meaning construction in language (95). In verbal communication functions, meanings are in people, not words. For example, a word can mean a certain thing in the dictionary, but when people use the word, it can mean something completely different. The word "ratchet" in the dictionary is defined as a tool. Nowadays, the youth in the Bay Area use the word to describe something ghetto. Language is also symbolic and represents the context. The book provides an example of a 2.5 grade point average. The GPA doesn't portray what the person actually learned, but it symbolizes the learning that they received. Not only is language symbolic, but it conveys meaning about observations, inferences, and judgements. For example, in the Casey Anthony trial, Casey was a potential suspect for killing her daughter. The evidence showed observations that led the public to believe she actually killed her daughter. When she was allowed to walk, the public made judgements based on the observations. All these principles are important for small group communication.