Denotation

The word Denotat ( Latin denotatum "the named") is an ambiguous technical term ( terminus technicus ), in particular of the general theory of signs ( semiotics ), linguistics (linguistics) and the philosophy of language . It is similar in meaning with the equally ambiguous term denotation . The meaning is in the context ( context ) to identify.

The basic meanings of the term denotate are

• the conceptual content of a sign (counter-term: connotation ); or
• the object of extralinguistic reality designated by a sign

Denotation as the conceptual content of a sign

"Denotate" means, on the one hand, the conceptual content of a sign and then denotes a counter-term to the term connotate , i. H. for affective, associated or emotional connotation. The opposition denotation - connotation corresponds to the opposition denotation - connotation .

Sometimes denotate is only used with this meaning, sometimes this meaning is not mentioned at all.

Denotation as the designated object

On the other hand , the term denotation is also widely used or only for the (extra-linguistic) object denoted by a sign .

The term denotation is then regarded as having the same meaning (as a synonym ) for referent and extension . Object is to be understood in a broad sense and stands for things, relationships, properties or facts.

Depending on the underlying semantic theory, the meaning of the term denotate can be varied and specified even further:

• In a model in the sense of model-theoretical semantics , Denotat is "the (set-theoretical) object that is assigned to the expression in this model." (Only) if the model is a section of the real world, Denotat is the referent in the world.
• If a distinction is made between Denotat and Designat , the term Designat denotes the class designated by a linguistic expression and Denotat the individual elements of the class. So Morris: "The denotations are the elements of the class (scilicet: of the designate)."
• In a behavioristic narrowing, denotation can sometimes only mean an “observable speaker”.

Web links

Wiktionary: Denotat  - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations

literature

• Helmut Rehbock: Denotation. In: Helmut Glück , Michael Rödel (Hrsg.): Metzler Lexikon Sprache. Metzler Verlag, Stuttgart 2016, ISBN 978-3-476-02641-5 , p. 136

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Duden, German Universal Dictionary , ISBN 3-411-05505-7 , 5th edition (2003) / Denotat; Ulrich, Linguistische Grundbegriffe, 5th edition (2002) / Denotat; similar to Homberger, dictionary of linguistics (2000) / Denotat: "the meaning of a sign".
2. ^ Kessel / Reimann, Basic knowledge of contemporary German language , Tübingen (Fink), 2005, ISBN 3-8252-2704-9 , p. 162
3. ^ Kessel / Reimann, Basic knowledge of contemporary German language , Tübingen (Fink), 2005, ISBN 3-8252-2704-9 , p. 162
4. ↑ z. B. Bussmann, Lexikon der Sprachwissenschaft, 3rd edition (2002) / Denotat
5. ^ Duden, universal dictionary / Denotat
6. ↑ Bußmann, Lexikon der Sprachwissenschaft, 3rd edition (2002) / Denotat
7. ↑ linguistic expression (word) / from a speaker (ultimately / indirectly)
8. ↑ Kürschner, Grammatical Compendium, 4th edition (2003), ISBN 3-8252-1526-1 , p. 20
9. ^ Meibauer, Introduction to German Linguistics, 2nd edition (2007), p. 178
10. ↑ Kürschner, Grammatical Compendium, 4th edition (2003), ISBN 3-8252-1526-1 , p. 20
11. ↑ Bußmann, Lexikon der Sprachwissenschaft, 3rd edition (2002) / Denotat
12. ^ Morris, Fundamentals of Character Theory (1988), p. 22
13. ^ Trabant, Semiotik (1996), p. 67