What are semantics?

Answer 1

Put simply, semantics is concerned with linguistic meaning, semiotics with a wide range of non-linguistic meanings. Semantics is the branch of linguistics which studies meaning in language. It is common to divide language into semantics (meaning), syntax (structure), morphology (forms, such as endings), phonology (sound sytems) and phonetics (actual sounds). Semiotics is used in research and is a type of social description and analysis which places specific emphasis upon an understanding and exploration of the cultural context within which the particular work is taking place. Semiotics is the study of non-linguistic meaning signs and significance in a society. For example, dress (clothing) often conveys messages (some of which are not always intended). In many societies it is very common to regard some kinds of dress as formal, others as related to work and yet others as associated with leisure. So, if you are wearing a tuxedo people will generally assume that you are going to or from a formal event. For a man to turn up at work in shorts would be not be considered 'acceptable' at many workplaces, and so on. To attend a funeral in beach wear would be considered an insult to the deceased. Obviously, there may be occasions when circumstances mean that one has to go somewhere inappropriately dressed, but it gives rise to embarrassment and can be seen as rude. These are just some examples of the kind of things that semotics is concerned with. A couple of further examples: If a woman wears black panties and a black bra, a significance is ascribed to this, also for example to shiny high boots. The wearer may not intend to convey any of these conventional 'messages' but is likely to be told that she is 'sending misleading signals'.

Answer 2

The study of meaning in language. For instance, some people have different definitions of the word "love".