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Denotation & Connotation To Whatsup

The document discusses key concepts around connotative language and inferring meaning from texts, including: 1. Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, while connotation involves cultural and emotional meanings implied by a word beyond its strict definition. 2. Examples are given of words with both positive and negative connotations depending on context. 3. Figurative language like metaphors and idioms involve exaggeration or non-literal meanings that must be inferred. 4. Inference involves making educated guesses about meaning, context or situations by observing clues and evidence within a text or speech.

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Nasratullah Amanzai
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18 views18 pages

Denotation & Connotation To Whatsup

The document discusses key concepts around connotative language and inferring meaning from texts, including: 1. Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, while connotation involves cultural and emotional meanings implied by a word beyond its strict definition. 2. Examples are given of words with both positive and negative connotations depending on context. 3. Figurative language like metaphors and idioms involve exaggeration or non-literal meanings that must be inferred. 4. Inference involves making educated guesses about meaning, context or situations by observing clues and evidence within a text or speech.

Uploaded by

Nasratullah Amanzai
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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My teacher

says my mind
is a blank slate.

Connotative Language
Key Component in Inferring Meaning
from Texts or Speech
Denotation and Connotation
• Denotation is the literal meaning of a word.
• Connotation is created when you say a word
and mean something else or something more,
something that initially might be hidden or not
obvious.
Denotative Meanings
The denotative meaning of a word is similar to
the meaning one will find in a dictionary; it is
the literal or formal meaning of the word.
Example: The denotative meaning of puppy
might be “ An immature member of the canine
species, usually under one year old,” or “ a very
young dog”.
Denotative Meanings
More examples:
For instance, the term dog denotes an animal
with fur, four legs, and a tail. For example, the
denotations of the word snake might be
"reptile," "scaly," or "without legs."
Connotations of the word, however, might
include "treachery," "evil," or "betrayal.“
Connotative Meanings
“Connotation refers to a meaning that is implied by a
word. (suggested rather than explicit reference)
Connotative words carry cultural and emotional
associations or meanings in addition to their literal
meanings, or denotations.
Connotative meanings can be either positive or
negative.
1. Nagative, “Dog”: an offensive term meant as an
insult.
2. Positve, “Dog”: in an amusing way, meaning friend.
Or: beginner vs inexperienced
Connotative Meanings
According to your own culture, suggest a connotative
meaning to the following words:
A mosquito
A book
A snake
What connotations does the word ‘dark’
have for you?
• In other words, what does the word ‘dark’
imply to you?
• What cultural or emotional associations do
you have with the word ‘dark’?
– That is, in Afghan culture, what were you
brought up to believe about darkness?
– Do you have any memories involving
darkness that create emotional response?
The connotations of “darkness” depend on your
culture, experiences, values, and beliefs
• Are you afraid of the dark?
• Is darkness pleasant or disgusting?
• Is it a symbol of calamity?
• Does the word remind you of a misfortune?
Figurative Language
The meaning in a figurative language covers
exaggerations or overstatements.
For example:
He's as big as a an elephant.
He weighs a ton.
I have a ton of homework.
Types of Figurative language:
Metaphor, simile and idioms.
Idiom: You should keep your eye out for him.
Meaning: to watch out for him.
Decode the meaning of the following
statements:
I want to accomplish all my responsibilities
before I kick the bucket.
My hands are blocks of ice.
I am as light as a feather today.
Inference

To make an educated guess based on clues or


evidence in a text.
When you guess the meaning of a new word or
phrase, you should observe the
Clues – evidence and connotations.
Examples of Inference:
Someone has a diaper in her hand, spit-up on her shirt,
and a bottle warming on the counter. You can infer that
this character is a mother.
Someone has a briefcase, is taking a ride on an airplane,
and is late for a meeting. You can infer that this person is
a businessperson.
A detective enters the house, which has been ransacked.
He sees blood on the floor, and it leads out the back door.
You can infer that a crime has occurred in the house.
When you enter a house, you see backpacks by the door,
small shoes scattered near them. You see an art easel,
and a room with a doll house and a toy box. You can infer
that there are children in this family.

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