COMPREHENSION OF SEMANTICS, PRAGMATICS, &

SOCIOLINGUISTICS

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for Sarjana Sastra (S.S)

PROGRAM STUDI SASTRA INGGRIS

FAKULTAS SASTRA
UNIVERSITAS
2023
 DAFTAR ISI

SAMPUL .....................................................................................
LEMBAR PERSETUJUAN ............................................................................
LEMBAR PENGESAHAN .............................................................................
KATA PENGANTAR .....................................................................................
DAFTAR ISI .....................................................................................
DAFTAR GAMBAR .....................................................................................
DAFTAR TABEL .....................................................................................
BAB I : PENDAHULUAN ………………………………………………….
BAB II : PEMBAHASAN MATERI ..............................................................
A. (Materi Mata Kuliah Semantics ) ........................................................
B. (Materi Mata Kuliah Pragmatics) ........................................................
C. (Materi Mata Kuliah Sociolinguistics) ................................................

BAB III : SIMPULAN .....................................................................................

A. (Materi Mata Kuliah Semantics) ........................................................

B. (Materi Mata Kuliah Pragmatics) ........................................................
C. (Materi Mata Kuliah Sociolinguistics)
DAFTAR PUSTAKA .....................................................................................
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Background of the Study

Language is a fundamental component of human communication, playing an

essential role in facilitating communication, social interaction, and the exchange of

information and ideas. Over the years, language has been studied by many scholars,

leading to a range of theories and perspectives on its nature and function. Language

can also use to establish and maintain social relationships. Using shared linguistics

codes or dialects can establish rapport and solidarity between speakers. In contrast,

the use of language that is unfamiliar or difficult to understand can create a sense of

exclusion or otherness.

Language is deeply intertwined with social factors such as culture, ethnicity,

gender, and social class. It is a powerful tool for establishing and maintaining social

relationships, and it can use to assert power and status in social interactions. There are

several studies in language, including sociolinguistics, semantics, and pragmatics.

Semantics, Pragmatics, and Sociolinguistics are three significant linguistic subfields

that deal with various language usage and communication elements.

Semantics is the branch of linguistics, including the relationships between

words and their meanings and how context influences sense. Understanding how

language conveys meaning and how speakers interpret the meaning of words and
sentences requires a strong understanding of semantics. Conversely, pragmatics

studies how languages communicate in context, including the social, cultural, and

situational factors that influence communication.

Understanding how speakers use language to achieve specific goals, such as

requesting information, making requests, or expressing emotions, requires an in-depth

knowledge of pragmatics. Sociolinguistics is also a branch of linguistics. This field of

study looks at how language both reflects and reinforces social identity, as well as

how gender, ethnicity, and social class can all have an impact on how language use.

The study of semantics, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics is essential for

understanding how language uses in everyday communication. By examining how

language conveys in different contexts, linguistics can gain insights into how

language reflects and reinforces social norms and values and how language can

challenge or subvert those norms. This paper will discuss the main points from

George Yule’s book on Semantics, Pragmatics, and Sociolinguistics. Specifically, we

will focus on the different subtopics within each field.

 CHAPTER II

DISCUSSION

2.1 Understanding of Semantics

Semantics is a crucial language component, as it enables communication and

allows people to effectively convey their thoughts and ideas (Yule, 2006). Semantics

is an area of linguistics that deals with the study of meaning. It involves the analysis

of language at the level of individual words, phrases, and sentences. Semantics is the

study meaning of words, phrases, and sentences. It concerns how words and

expressions acquire meaning, relate to each other to create meaning, and how people

interpret and use language to communicate (Katz, 1972).

Semantics is concerned with more than the meaning of individual words and how

they can be used in different contexts. The importance of understanding the

relationships between words, the role of context in essence, and the complexity of

meaning in language. Semantics is a complex aspect of language that affects how we

process and interpret language. By understanding semantics, we can better appreciate

the nuances of language and how it enables communication.

2.1.2 Meaning Classification

           Yule (2010, p. 133), "Semantics is the study of meaning in language." One of

the fundamental aspects of semantics is the classification of meaning. Yule (2010)

provides an overview of the meaning type and its significance in linguistics. Yule

(2010) begins by identifying two broad categories of meaning: conceptual meaning

and associative meaning refer to the connotations and associations that a word carries,

and both types of meaning are essential in understanding the full range of meaning in

language. Conceptual meaning refers to the core meaning of a word, whereas

associative meaning refers to the connotations and associations that a word carries, as

an example. The English word 'needle' can create a concept of "thin, sharp, steel.

However different with associative meaning. The word 'needle' might interpret as

"pain," "illness," "blood," or "drugs," or "thread," or "knitting," or "hard to find."

These associations can differ from person to person (Yule, 2010). Meaning

classification is a crucial aspect of semantics that helps us understand how language

conveys meaning. The distinction between conceptual meaning and associative

meaning and the various types of associative meaning can enrich or complicate a

word's overall meaning. Understanding these distinctions can improve our ability to

use language effectively and communicate more clearly.

2.1.3 Lexical Relations

Lexical relations refer to various ways words relate in language. Yule (2010)

introduces several types of linguistic relations that help us understand how words are
connected and organized in our mental lexicon. One of the most basic types of lexical

relation is synonymy, which refers to terms with the same or similar meanings. For

example, "big" and "large" are synonyms because they both refer to something that is

of significant size. Another essential type of lexical relation is an antonym, which

refers to words with opposite meanings. For example, "hot" and "cold" are antonyms

representing opposite temperature states. Hyponymy refers to terms that are more

specific than another word. For example, "dog" is a hyponym of "animal" because it

relates to a particular type of animal. Metonymy refers to terms that are part of

another word. For example, "finger" is a metonymy of "hand" Yule (2010) also

discusses the concept of polysemy, which refers to terms with multiple related

meanings. For example, "Bank" can refer to a financial institution, a riverbank, or a

place where airplanes park. Polysemy is related to hyponymy because each polysemy

word's meaning can see as a hyponym of the core purpose. By studying lexical

relations, linguistics can better understand how meaning is structured in language and

how it contributes to communication.

2.2 Understanding of pragmatics

Pragmatic defines how language uses to achieve various communicative goals

in real-world situations. It examines how speakers employ language to convey

intended meanings while considering the context, social norms, and cultural
background. Pragmatic goes beyond the literal meaning of words and focuses on the

implied or intended meaning behind utterances.

Yule (2010, p. 147) states that “The study of what speakers mean, or “speaker

meaning, is called pragmatics” Pragmatics: is how language is used in

communication; in other words, pragmatics. However, it is used to understand the

meaning of utterances in conversation. Not only the importance but also the context

because to understand the purpose, the situation must include in utterances so that

there will be no misunderstanding between the speaker and listener (Leech, 1983).  

One of the critical points that Yule (2010) emphasizes is that Pragmatics plays

a crucial role in communication because it helps people say things that mean more

than just what they say. For instance, if someone says “Great Job!” sarcastically, they

convey the opposite meaning – that the job was not great. A speaker might use

sarcasm or irony to say something different than what their words say, or they might

use nonverbal cues like facial movements or tone of voice to show how they feel or

what they think. 

Moreover, Yule (2010) notes that pragmatics is closely related to the social

and cultural context in which communication occurs and can be conveyed through

various linguistic and non-linguistic cues. Implicature and speech acts are also

essential components of pragmatics that help us understand how language is used to

perform actions and convey meaning in everyday communication.

 
2.2.1 Speech acts

Speech acts refer to the actions that speakers perform through their use of

language. Speech acts can take many forms, including requests, promises, apologies,

and warnings. Understanding speech acts is essential because it allows us to analyze

how speakers use language to perform specific actions and achieve specific goals in

communication.

Yule (2010, p.153) defines “a speech act as the action performed by a speaker

with an utterance,” Speech acts involve both the linguistic form of the utterance and

the speaker's illocutionary force or intended meaning. For example, a speaker may

use the words "Can you pass the Salt?" to make a request, but the illocutionary force

of the utterance is to express a desire for the salt to be passed. Understanding the

illocutionary force of an utterance is essential because it allows us to analyze that

speaker's intended meaning and the effect that the utterance is intended to have on the

listener.

Another essential aspect of speech acts is that they are context-dependent. The

same linguistic form can have different illocutionary forces depending on the context

in which it is used. For example, the utterance "I promise to do it" can be used to

make a promise in one context, but in another context, it might be used ironically to

convey a lack of intention to fulfill the promise. 

Speech acts are a crucial aspect of language use that allow speakers to

perform specific actions and achieve specific goals in communication. Understanding

the illocutionary force and context dependency of speech acts is essential for
analyzing the intended meaning and effect of the utterance on the listener.

Additionally, the performativity of speech acts allows us to analyze how language can

be used to perform actions directly in the world.

2.2.2 Maxim

The maxims are guidelines that speakers follow in conversation to make

communication more effective and efficient. Philosopher Paul Grice introduced the

idea of maxims. The four main maxims of conversation: the maxim of quantity, the

maxim of quality, the maxim of relation, and the maxim of manner. The maxim of

quantity states that speakers should provide as much information as necessary for the

communication to be successful, but only as necessary (Yule, 2010). The maxim of

quality requires speakers to be truthful and provide accurate information. In contrast,

the maxim of relevance requires that the information provided is related to the topic

of the conversation. The maxim of manner suggests that speakers should

communicate clearly and avoid ambiguity and unnecessary complexity (Yule, 2010).

One of the key points that make maxims is that they are often violated in

communication; speakers may intentionally or unintentionally violate maxims,

leading to miscommunication and misunderstandings. For example, a speaker may

intentionally withhold information to be secretive or manipulate the listener. A

speaker may violate the maxim of quality by providing inaccurate information or

lying. Maxims are context-dependent and can vary depending on the situation and the

cultural norms of the speakers involved. For example, in some cultures, indirect
language may be preferred over natural language, and speakers may use euphemisms

or understatement to convey meaning. In other contexts, such as legal or scientific

settings, the maxim of accuracy and specificity may be fundamental.

Understanding the maxim is essential for effective communication, as it

allows speakers to be more mindful of their language use and to adjust their

communication style better to suit their audience's situation and expectations.

Analyzing maxims can help us understand how communication breaks down and how

misunderstandings can arise in conversation. In conclusion, maxims are guidelines

that speakers follow in conversation to make communication more effective and

efficient. The four main maxims of conversation are quantity, quality, relevance, and

manner. Violations of maxims can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings,

and understanding the context-dependent nature of maxims is essential for effective

communication. Analyzing maxims helps us understand how communication breaks

down and how to improve communication in different contexts.

2.3 Understanding of Sociolinguistics

Yule (2010, p. 275) explains that “sociolinguistics is generally used to study

the relationship between language and society.” Sociolinguistics is the study of how

language in social contexts. One of the central concepts in sociolinguistics is

language variation, which refers to how language use varies among different social

groups. In sociolinguistics, we study language and society to learn everything we can

about what language is. We reverse the direction of our focus in language sociology

(Hudson, 1996).

The phenomenon of language change, which is the process by which language

use evolves, explains that various social factors, including contact with other

languages, social norms, and technological advancements, can influence language

change. For example, the widespread use of technology and social media has led to

new words and phrases and changes in language use among the young generation.

Understanding sociolinguistics is significant because it highlights the importance of

understanding the social context in which language. By studying language variation,

language attitudes, and language change, sociolinguists can gain insight into how

language use reflects and shapes social structures and identities. Sociolinguistics also

has practical applications in fields such as education, politics, and business, as

understanding language use and attitudes can help improve communication and

reduce misunderstandings.

2.3.2 Code-mixing and Code-switching

When speakers of different languages attempt to converse, they frequently

incorporate words and sentences from different languages and alternately use them in

a single discourse. (Jabeen, 2018). Code-switching and mixing are no errors or

mistakes; they are natural and widespread occurrences in bilingual or multilingual

cultures.
 Grosjean (1982, p. 145) states that “code-switching is a way of conversation

in which two or more languages are alternated in the same utterance.” Furthermore,

Yule (2010, p. 264) states that “regional variation is not simply a matter of two (or

more) dialects of a single language, but can involve two (or more) quite distinct and

different languages.” Moreover, code-mixing and code-switching can also serve as a

form of identity expression, where the speaker uses language to signal their belonging

to a particular social group or community. Romaine (1982, p. 116) explains several

reasons why the speaker chooses to switch or mix their language in the middle of a

conversation “There is a particular about the topic, quoting somebody else,

interjection, repetition used for clarification, to show empathy about something and to

express group identity.”

Code-mixing and code-switching are critical linguistic phenomena

significantly affecting bilingual and multilingual communities. Text code-mixing and

code-switching are no errors or mistakes; instead, they are natural and common ways

of communicating that can be used to express identity and convey emotions and

attitudes. While they can sometimes lead to misunderstanding and confusion, a better

understanding of code-mixing and code-switching can help promote cross-cultural

understanding and communication in our increasingly diverse world.

2.2.3 Register and Jargon

Yule (2010, p. 279) defines,” Another influence on speech style tied to social

identity derives from the register.” One of the most important considerations is that
register is not a set or unchanging idea; instead, it can change depending on various

elements, such as the audience, intent, and topic of communication. For example, a

speaker may use a more formal register when delivering a speech to a large group but

a more informal register when conversing with friends or family.

Yule (2010, p.279) also states, “One of the defining features of s register is the

use of jargon.” Similarly, jargon can also vary depending on the field or profession.

Jargon is often used to convey specialized knowledge or expertise and can be helpful

for communication within a particular group or community. For example, “Do not

boil the ocean by alphabetizing our client contact information” Business people use

the term “boil the ocean” to describe an action or project that wastes time. However,

jargon can be a barrier to communication for those unfamiliar with the terminology.

Adapting one's language use to different situations and audiences is a valuable skill

that can help facilitate effective communication and build relationships.

In conclusion, register and jargon are essential concepts in language use that

can significantly impact communication and social interactions. However, it is

essential to be aware of the potential for exclusion and elitism that can arise from

using specific registers or jargon and to strive for communication that is inclusive and

accessible to all.
2.4 Related studies

There are some previous studies that the writer used to support this research.

1. The first previous study about contextual meaning was conducted by Eni

Julita Br Munthe, Maria A. Simamora, Herman, Fenti Debora Napitupulu, and

Christina Natalina Saragi (2022) An Analysis of contextual meaning in Batak

Toba Songs Lyric By Putri Silitonga: A Case on Semantics This research deals

with semantics field. It analyses the contextual meaning of Batak Toba song

lyrics by Putri Silitonga. The data are taken from five songs of Putri

Silitonga, The object of this research is to identify contextual meaning in

songs lyric of Putri Silitonga’s. This research uses a descriptive qualitative

research method. The result of this research shows that there are eight types of

contextual meaning found in the data, namely, the context of the organ (11%),

the context of the mood (31%), and the context of time and context language

(6%).

2. The second previous study is a Journal from Aris Hidayatullah, Evi Murti

Wardhani, and Alif Rahmadhani (2022), Speech Act in verbal communication

of a schizophrenic character in a beautiful mind movie: a pragmatic clinical

 analysis. The data are taken from A Beautiful Mind movie. This research aims

to discuss the representative speech act and the quality maxim of

schizophrenic communication. This research uses member-checking data

validation, which involves a linguistic lecture. This research shows eight types

of utterances in all the chosen data.

3. The third previous study is the Journal of Juni Arta Sagala, Agustina

Sihombing, and Gaguk Rudianto (2023) The sociolinguistic analysis of code

mixing types in Livy Renata and Nirina Zubir’s utterances in “TS MEDIA”

podcast The data are taken from TS Media’s Youtube in Livy Renata

utterances. The research aims to determine the code-mixing factors

influencing children in South Jakarta to mix their language. Their use

qualitative descriptive methods. The result of this research shows there are (8)

insertions, (4) alternation, and (3) congruent lexicalization as a consequence

of this research.

Based on three previous studies that the writer used as references in this research,

there are some similarities, where the same discussion is semantics, pragmatics, and

sociolinguistics; there are also differences. The difference between this research and

that research, such as in the first research, is that they focused on explaining the

contextual meaning and use the theory of contextual meaning proposed by Mansoer

Pateda’s theory. The finding of the second research focuses on explaining speech acts

and uses Searle’s theory. Moreover, a third previous study uses Muysken’s theory. It
focuses on explaining the types of code-mixing and the code-mixing factors that

influence children in South Jakarta to mix their language.

 CHAPTER III

CONCLUSION

A. Semantics is an area of linguistics that deals with studying meaning. It

involves the analysis of language at the level of individual words, phrases, and

sentences. George Yule provides an overview of meaning classification and

its significance in linguistics, identifying two broad categories of meaning:

conceptual meaning and associative meaning. Lexical relations refer to

various ways words relate in languages, such as synonymy, antonym,

hyponymy, metonymy, and polysemy. By studying lexical relations,

linguistics can better understand how meaning is structured in language and

how it contributes to communication.

B. Pragmatics is the study of the meaning of context and implicature, which

refers to the meaning inferred by the listener based on the context of the

communication. Speech acts are the actions that speakers perform through

their use of language and are context-dependent. Maxims are guidelines that

speakers follow in conversation to make communication more effective and

efficient. Understanding the maxim is essential for effective communication,

as it allows speakers to be more mindful of their language use and to adjust

their communication style better to suit their audience's situation and

expectations.
C. Sociolinguistics is the study of language in social contexts, with language

variation being one of the central concepts. Language attitudes refer to

people's beliefs and perceptions about different dialects and languages. Code

mixing and code-switching are two linguistic phenomena linguists have

studied extensively. Register and jargon are essential concepts in language use

that can significantly impact communication and social interactions. However,

it is essential to be aware of the potential for exclusion and elitism that can

arise from using specific registers or jargon and to strive for communication

that is inclusive and accessible to all.

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Grosjean, F. (1982). Life with two languages: An introduction to bilingualism. Harvard

University Press.

Hidayatulloh, A., Wardhani, E. M., & Rahmadhani, A. (2022, September). The Speech Act in

Verbal Communication of A Schizophrenic Character in A Beautiful Mind Movie

A Clinical Pragmatic Analysis. In Proceeding of International Conference on

Science, Health, And Technology (pp. 171-186).

Hudson, R. A. (1996). Sociolinguistics. Cambridge university press.

Jabeen, S. (2018). Code-mixing, code-switching, and borrowing in Urdu and Pakistani

English in media and daily conversations. International Journal Of Advanced

Research, pp. 6, 805–811.

Katz, J. J. (1972). Semantic theory.

Leech, G. N. (2016). Principles of pragmatics. Routledge.

Munthe, E. J. B., Simamora, M. A., Napitupulu, F. D., & Saragi, C. N. (2022). An Analysis of

Contextual Meaning in Batak Toba Songs Lyric by Putri Silitonga: A Case on

Semantics. American Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, 4,

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Sagala, J. A., Sihombing, A., & Rudianto, G. (2023). The Sociolinguist Analysis of Code-

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