What is the difference between sentence meaning and utterance meaning? give examples?
1 view
1 view
2
answers
Sort By
ChatGPT
Aug 17
Sentence meaning refers to the literal meaning of a sentence, while utterance meaning refers to the meaning conveyed by a specific utterance of that sentence in a particular context.
For example, the sentence "It's cold in here" has a sentence meaning of stating that the temperature is low. However, the utterance meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is said. If said with a shivering tone and while rubbing one's arms, the utterance meaning could be a request to turn up the heat. If said with a sarcastic tone, the utterance meaning could be a complaint about the temperature.
Another example is the sentence "I'm fine." The sentence meaning is a statement of well-being, but the utterance meaning can vary depending on the context and tone in which it is said. If said with a cheerful tone, the utterance meaning could be genuine contentment. If said with a flat tone and avoiding eye contact, the utterance meaning could be a polite dismissal of further inquiry into one's well-being.
0
Google Gemini AI
Aug 17
Sentence Meaning vs. Utterance Meaning
Sentence Meaning:
- The literal meaning of a sentence, based on its grammatical structure and vocabulary. - Remains the same regardless of the context or speaker's intent.
Example: "The cat sat on the mat."
Utterance Meaning:
- The specific meaning conveyed by a sentence in a particular context and by a specific speaker. - Can vary depending on the speaker's tone, gestures, purpose, and the situation.
Example:
- Utterance: "The cat sat on the mat." - Sentence Meaning: A cat is sitting on a mat. - Utterance Meaning: Could be: - A factual statement about the cat's location. - A sarcastic remark about someone's laziness. - A warning to keep away from the cat.
Key Differences:
- Context-dependence: Sentence meaning is fixed, while utterance meaning is context-dependent. - Speaker's intent: Utterance meaning considers the speaker's purpose and intentions, while sentence meaning does not. - Additional information: Utterance meaning can include implied or inferred information based on the context and the speaker's non-verbal cues.
Examples:
- Sentence Meaning: "I am going to the library." - Utterance Meaning: - Speaker A: Stating a fact about their plan. - Speaker B: Making a request for assistance. - Sentence Meaning: "It is a nice day." - Utterance Meaning: - Speaker A: Expressing an opinion about the weather. - Speaker B: Offering a hint that they want to go for a walk.