Abstract
It has always been a problem in linguistic theory to decide when two or more similar signs are polysemous or homonymous. A red flag, for instance; can mean danger or nonsale of gasoline. A ring can signify wedding, engagement, graduation, reward, etc. In these cases is it the same sign that stands for several things “polysemy”, or is it just an accident that signs which stand for these things happen to look like “homonymy”? In the English dictionary, there is one lexical entry, bachelor with four different meanings: (1) unmarried person, (2) somebody with a college degree, (3) young knight serving another knight, (4) young fur seal without a mate during the breeding time. But there are two lexical entries, bank l and bank 2: meaning bank of the river, and where the money is deposited, respectively. This paper shows that within a semiotic theory as outlined by Peirce the problem doesn’t arise, because the theory offers devices that can help the lexicographer to tell when the linguistic sign would be listed in the dictionary as polysemous or homonymous. Before this approach is outlined, we shall first discuss problems that are related to the polysemy/homonymy issue.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
