LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 26:7 July 2026
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Selvi M. Bunce, M.A., Ed.D.
         Nathan Mulder Bunce, M.A., Ph.D.
         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.

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

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Semantic Intention in Typical English-Speaking Children

Sarah Mariam Kurian
Dr. Satish Kumaraswamy, Ph.D. and
Mrs. Anupama Modi

Abstract

Semantic intention refers to the meanings children express through words, gestures or vocalizations during communication. Understanding semantic intentions is important for evaluating language development and identifying language disorders. This study compared the semantic intentions of thirty-two typical English-speaking children aged 4-6 years from ICSE school in Kerala across two distinct contexts: general conversation and picture description tasks. The findings revealed that existence, location, agent, object, and action were consistently expressed across both communicative contexts. Attribution was more frequently observed during picture description whereas possession, rejection, disappearance and non-existence occurred more often during general conversation. Recurrence was present in both contexts, while cessation was not observed in either task. Significant differences were found for attribution, possession, rejection and non-existence between the two tasks. The results suggest that communicative context influences the expression of semantic intentions in children.

Keywords:Semantic intention, language development, English-speaking children, ICSE school, general conversation, picture description.

Introduction

Language functions as an essential social tool as it cannot be separated from the context of human interaction (Austin 1962, Searle 1969). It functions as a complex, multifaceted system for communication and self-expression that relies on the structured and predictable application of sounds. A fundamental component of this system is semantics, which refers to the set of rules dictating how meaning is derived both individual words and their arrangement (Crystal, 1995).

Language can be organized into three primary dimensions: grammar, which relates to structure; semantics, which pertains to meaning; and pragmatics, which concerns its social application. This structural model is often classified as form, content and use (Bloom & Lahey, 1978). Specifically, the semantic aspect addresses how language carries meaning through the perceptual and conceptual qualities inherent in words (McLaughlin, 1952).

Semantic language skills involve the ability to understand and effectively use meaning across various levels of language, ranging from individual words to complete sentences and complex discourse. This developmental process includes several key competencies, such as identifying labels, categorizing objects, applying descriptive terminology and explaining the functions of items. Furthermore, these skills require a grasp of vocabulary relationships, including synonyms and antonyms as well as an understanding of advanced linguistic elements like figurative language and words with multiple meanings. Ultimately, acquiring strong semantic abilities is essential for interpreting the world accurately and communicating ideas with clarity and precision (Paul,2001).

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

Sarah Mariam Kurian
Post Graduate Student
Dr M.V Shetty College of Speech and Hearing,
Malady Court, Kavoor,
Mangalore University-15
sarahkurian8@gmail.com

Dr. Satish Kumaraswamy, Ph.D.
Speech and Hearing Professor
Dr M.V Shetty College of Speech and Hearing,
Malady Court, Kavoor,
Mangalore University-15
sat8378@yahoo.com
&
Mrs. Anupama Modi
Assistant Professor
Dr M.V Shetty College of Speech and Hearing,
Malady Court, Kavoor,
Mangalore University-15
anupamaslp@gmail.com

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