- Semantics-pragmatics-syntax trinity
This article describes the connection between
semantics ,pragmatics andsyntax inlinguistics . "Semantics-pragmatics-syntax trinity" is probably not an official term.Simple explanation
Semantics
Semantics tells about the meaning of in a
language ,code , or other form of representation.Semantics is all about the meaning.
Pragmatics
Pragmatics is concerned with bridging the explanatory gap between sentence meaning and speaker's meaning.
Pragmatics is all about use.
Syntax
Syntax is the study of the rules, or "patterned relations", that govern the way words combine to form phrases and phrases combine to form sentences.
Syntax is all about form.
Example: Traffic lights
The meaning of
traffic lights may be split up in three parts as follows:Semantics
The color
red is for "stop", andgreen is for "go". Often anamber signal is used to indicate the traffic light will soon be red. In parts of Europe, the red and amber signals together indicate the traffic light will soon be green.Pragmatics
However, these signals may not be used the same. In the European variation, in some countries people start driving as soon as the red and amber signals are both lit, while in other countries drivers wait for the green signal. In some places it is considered normal to cross red lights as well, though prohibited.
Syntax
Traffic lights exist in many forms, as seen in the
traffic light article. On the road, the red light is usually up and the green light down, while railroads usually use them the other way around. On largeships , usually there is a red light on the port side, and a green one on thestarboard side, as discussed in the articleInternational Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea .
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