Semiotics: Decoding Signs and Meaning

Which of the following best describes the relationship between 'sense' and 'reference' in lexical semantics?

• ASense is the specific real-world object, while reference is the abstract concept.
• BSense is the abstract concept behind a word, while reference is the ability to apply the word to specific real-world objects.
• CSense and reference are interchangeable terms.
• DSense is the emotional association of a word, while reference is the dictionary definition.

In phonology, what is the difference between a phoneme and an allophone?

• AA phoneme is a physical speech sound, while an allophone is a mental representation.
• BA phoneme is a category of speech sounds with relevant features, while an allophone is a different physical sound within that category.
• CA phoneme and an allophone are the same thing.
• DA phoneme is a written symbol, while an allophone is a spoken sound.

Which of the following is an example of a 'reverse' antonym?

• AHot - Cold
• BDead - Alive
• CBuy - Sell
• DPack - Unpack

Which maxim is being flouted if someone gives too much information during a conversation?

• AMaxim of quality
• BMaxim of quantity
• CMaxim of manner
• DMaxim of relation

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'entailment' in propositional semantics?

• ATwo sentences are true under the same conditions.
• BIf sentence A is true, sentence B must also be true.
• CIf sentence A is true, sentence B must be false.
• DTwo sentences have opposite meanings.