LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 20:5 May 2020
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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Semantic Intentions in 8-13 Year Old
Malayalam Speaking Children

Radhika Mohan, Satish Kumaraswamy and Betsy Babu

Abstract

Semantic development is the acquisition of words and their meanings and the development of knowledge into a complex hierarchical semantic network of associated meanings. The meanings intended by children using words or gestures can be called as semantic intentions. The present study aimed to hypothesize the usage of semantic intentions in 8-13 year-old Malayalam speaking children. Speech-samples were audio taped from ten 8-13 year old Malayalam speaking children. Collection of samples included tasks of: a) conversation (embedding play situations) and b) monologue: 1) topic-description, 2) picture-story description. Each sample contained about 50 utterances. Language data obtained was semantically analyzed, based on a list of semantic intentions, selected from a discussion by Coupe, Barton and Walker (1988). Statistical analysis was carried out further, using ANCOVA taking age as a covariant. Further, multiple comparisons, between 3 tasks were done using Bonferrori test. Results obtained showed low significant value on questions on conversation task and high significant values on conversation, which can be due to environmental stimulation given.

The present study gives an overall view of usage of semantic intentions in Malayalam language and this data can be used for comparisons amongst the disordered population.

Keywords: Semantic Intentions, 8-13 Year Old, Malayalam Language, Language Development.

Introduction

Language is the systematic and conventional use of sounds for the purpose of communication and self-expression (Crystal, 1995). Language is complex and multifaceted. Semantics, one component of the language, is a “system of rules governing the meaning or content of words and word combinations” (Owens, 2008). It is an important part of human communication: providing the content or message of what is communicated (Hegde, 2001).

The parameter of language, called semantics, addresses the meaning of language and reflects meaningful use of language across many levels: in isolated words, sentences, in larger contexts, including conversation and narratives (Hoodin, 2011).

Semantic development is the acquisition of words and their meanings and the development of knowledge into a complex hierarchical semantic network of associated meanings. Child language development in semantic knowledge consists of building up the lexical entry of a word until their words will match that of an adult. Children begin by using a word in a restricted setting, eventually they start using the word in a larger semantic network and they learn to detach it from the situation in which they gained this knowledge. Semantic development studies show the relationship between language and an individual’s perceptions of the world, including the things and actions within it (Owens, 2008).

Subcomponents of semantics include word knowledge (definition of a word) and world knowledge (autobiographical and experiential knowledge). Further development of semantics or vocabulary can be thought of as a continuum of knowledge of an individual word. These dimensions include incremental knowledge (exposure to a word in many contexts so that one know the word), multidimensional knowledge (words having many different meanings) and finally, knowledge of words being interrelated (meaning words are connected and related to each other) (Lehr, Osborn, & Heibert, 2004; Nagy & Scott, 2000).

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Radhika Mohan
Assistant Professor
Aarupadai Veedu Medical College
Pondicherry
(ISHA-Membership No. L-1798)
PHONE-9895847682
radhileo05@gmail.com, radhika.mohan@avmc.edu.in

Satish Kumaraswamy
Principal
Dr. M. V. Shetty College of Speech and Hearing, Mangalore
(Membership No: L-1648)
Phone-9741627640
satishknayaka@yahoo.co.in

Betsy Babu
Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologist
Phone-+96551495911
babu_betsy@hotmail.com
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