Semantic Analysis: A Practical Introduction

Oxford Textbooks in Linguistics

by Cliff Goddard

Semantic Analysis is a lively and clearly written introduction to the study of meaning in language, and to the language-culture connection. Goddard covers traditional and contemporary issues and approaches with the relationship between semantics, conceptualization, and culture as a key theme.
He also details a number of case studies that draw on a wide range of material from non-Indo-European languages, particularly Australian Aboriginal languages and Malay, on which the author is an authority.

Genres: Linguistics

428 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 1998

Reviews

[Rima Muryantina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this semester, and I really love the semantics course! This book is well-written and well-organized for those who were just introduced to Natural Semantic Metalanguage Theory. I like how Cliff Goddard put the chapters according to the NSM templates: 'emotion, speech act, particles and interjection, motion verbs, semantics of grammar, etc.'

I also like the examples from various languages, introducing us to the meanings understood by different people from different backgrounds (not only forcing us to understand the Anglo point of view).

He also tried to introduce us to some other semantic theories in the earlier chapters of the book (even though they're not in details).

Overall, great book for those who love semantics!

[Brann Dies · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction into NSM, awful if you are looking into formal semantics. i wanted to give it a 3.5 because defining spoon, while interesting, seems clumsy and annoying to read.