Reflecting back on the articles on semantics, I have found the process of understanding and producing speech to be incredibly complex especially in a societal versus "real world" context. Many of the words that we use, no matter what language, hold many various meanings in which meaning becomes very relative. Words presented by themselves hold no meaning unless put in a sentence that determines its meaning. Meaning is also distinguished by sense and reference where the meanings of words differ within a language and outside of a language. Knowing the difference between sense and reference is particularly important when explaining what a word means. An explanation based on reference could be interpreted many different ways such as quality or concept whereas an explanation of sense portrays a more objective presentation of a word in which the person can then apply and sharpen the definition.
In the process in which we have learned what meaning means in a language, our brains have already simultaneously understood, delivered, connected, and produced the result of reading, writing, or speaking. For speaking in particular, many parts of the brain are involved in its production and comprehension of these is the area in the upper back part of the temporal lobe or Wernicke's area which is important for comprehension of speech and where the initial thought to communicate is formed. It is sent to Broca's area which encodes the message which then is passed to a motor area which controls the articulatory organs and thus produces speech.
As the readings state, everyone processes meaning and meanings of words influenced by their language and its societal norms and culture as well as their physical environment. Personally, I process meaning from a westernized, English perspective as well as a Korean perspective. This combination and unity of perspectives definitely shape my perception of meaning by heightening certain parts of it due to similar culture aspects or dampening other parts to be less important or negative. Living in America as a Korean I interpret materialism and work to be very positive things as both signify success in both cultures. However, relationship wise, America emphasizes equality and individualism and portrays them to very positive while in Korea there is a social hierarchy among your friends, family and co-workers where respect for elders and humility are considered positive aspects. These two cultures provide me a unique perspective for meaning.
Due to these differences, it would be helpful in learning the cultural context and meanings of the words to best be able to use it as well as using it to better remember from the contrast of its meaning to my own interpretation.
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