Abeer Shujaa Alharbi
Abstract
In the real world, each word within a language carries a simple referential meaning. Yet, there exist intricate semantic relationships, all of which may vary depending on the various linguistic contexts. In this paper, I explore two main color terms, red and black, in terms of their semantic relationships ...
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In the real world, each word within a language carries a simple referential meaning. Yet, there exist intricate semantic relationships, all of which may vary depending on the various linguistic contexts. In this paper, I explore two main color terms, red and black, in terms of their semantic relationships between English and Arabic. In fact, this paper discusses different kinds of meanings (i.e., denotational and connotational) and semantics relations (i.e., paradigmatic and syntagmatic) of the two terms red and black in English. Afterward, a comparison of the findings is expounded, elucidating the semantic nuances and pragmatic applications of these terms within the Arabic language– my native tongue. The results revealed that in English, red and black carry some semantic meanings similar to Arabic. These similarities arise from universal beliefs. However, the diversity of linguistic and cultural influences results in distinct semantic relations of these color terms in the two languages.
Wyman King; Richard Emanuel; Xavier Brown; Niroby Dingle; Vertis Lucas; Anissa Perkins; Ayzia Turner; Destinee Whittington; Qwa'dryna Witherspoon
Volume 6, Issue 2 , September 2018, , Pages 47-58
Abstract
The N-word is the ultimate insult that has tormented generations of African-Americans. Yet over time, N-word derivatives have become popular terms of endearment by the descendants of the very people who once had to endure the N-word. Therein lies the root of an ongoing argument in society today: Who ...
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The N-word is the ultimate insult that has tormented generations of African-Americans. Yet over time, N-word derivatives have become popular terms of endearment by the descendants of the very people who once had to endure the N-word. Therein lies the root of an ongoing argument in society today: Who has the ‘right’ to use the N-word and N-word derivatives? A quota sample (N=347) of undergraduate students at a historically Black college/university in the deep-South participated in this survey study. Participants were mostly Black (88%) and female (62%). Using a five-point semantic differential scale from ‘always’ to ‘never’, participants were asked the degree to which they believe it is acceptable to use the N-word and N-word derivatives. A majority (76%) of respondents agreed that it is never acceptable for non-Blacks to use the N-word with anyone in any situation. Fifty-six percent of respondents agreed that it is never acceptable for anyone to use N-word derivatives with anyone in any situation.