Denotation

Denotation (from Latin to denote "denotare" ) is an ambiguous expression of semantics .

On the one hand, it stands for a neutral meaning (basic meaning) and thus for the core content of a word, in contrast to the connotation . The basic meaning superimposes any subjective, emotional and associative connotation.

On the other hand, denotation is the designation (meaning according to Gottlob Frege ) in the sense of an extensional reference, in contrast to the intensional reference.

Denotation as a situation-independent basic meaning

In linguistics , “denotation” as the main meaning of a lexeme or a statement is differentiated from a possible co-meaning, the connotation . Denotation is the context and situation-independent basic meaning of a linguistic expression, while the connotation is variable, context-dependent and subjective.

In everyday language it is not possible to draw a sharp line between the main meaning (explicit meaning) and secondary meaning (implicit meaning).

Example: The denotation of “night” is the time span between setting and rising of the sun. Depending on the context, connotations of the term “night” are: fear, loneliness, threat, crush, love, romance, etc.

Denotation as an extensional relationship between language and world (model)

In a broad sense , denotation is used in the sense of the "relationship between language and the world" or between language and a model of the world.

Denotation is also defined as "the relation between a lexeme ... and the class of persons, objects, properties, locations, etc., to the lexeme can be correctly applied." Suggestion was also made instead of the ambiguous term "denotation" of reference potential to speak. This would correspond to the extension as the set of all existing and conceivable objects to which a word can refer.

A term "denotes" (denotes, means - in the sense of Frege) a certain object or fact in the sense of an extensional reference. Understood as a reference to a class of elements, the term denotation is synonymous with the term designation in semantics: If denotation is understood as the reference to individual elements of a class , the “denotation” can then be contrasted with the “designation” (as an antonym ); with designation as referring to classes of elements.

See also

• Speaker (Linguistics)
• Signified
• Significant
• Denotation
• Semiotic triangle

literature

• Hadumod Bußmann (Ed.): Lexicon of Linguistics. 3rd updated and expanded edition. Kröner, Stuttgart 2002, ISBN 3-520-45203-0 .
• Albert Keller : Philosophy of Language. Alber, Freiburg i. Br. 1979/1989.
• John Lyons : Semantics. Volume I. Beck, Munich 1980. For denotation s. especially p. 187ff. ISBN 3-406-05272-X
• Helmut Rehbock: Denotation. In: Helmut Glück , Michael Rödel (Hrsg.): Metzler Lexikon Sprache. Metzler Verlag, Stuttgart 2016, ISBN 978-3-476-02641-5 , p. 135 f.
• Bertrand Russell : On the Meaning and Denotation of Phrases. 1903.

Web links

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

• Denotation and connotation in Culturitalia
• Denotation and connotation in Mediamanual
• Denotation and connotation in the film

Individual evidence

1. ^ Lohnstein: Formal semantics . 1996, p. 59
2. ↑ Father, p. 42.
3. ↑ see father: reference linguistics. 2005, p. 14; as well as rainbow, Meyer: Philosophical dictionary. 2005, entries denotation / connotation. Denotation and extension are considered here as (possible) synonyms.
4. ↑ See Lexicon of Linguistics . 3rd edition 2002. → Denotation .
5. ^ Bußmann: Lexicon of Linguistics . 3rd edition 2002. Denotation .