Semantics involves analyzing the content aspect of language: the meanings of individual words (lexical semantics) and how word meanings combine in sentences (sentential semantics). It addresses questions like how synonyms, antonyms, and other relationships between words are organized, and how logical meaning is constructed (as in understanding ambiguity or figurative language). In a clinical or developmental context, semantic skills refer to one’s vocabulary knowledge and the ability to understand and formulate meaningful messages. A child with a semantic language delay might have difficulty understanding word meanings or using words precisely, even if their speech sounds and grammar are intact. Speech-language pathologists may work on expanding vocabulary, teaching word relationships, and clarifying concepts to strengthen a client’s semantic system.
John I. Saeed. Semantics. 4th ed. Wiley-Blackwell, (2016).
Herbert H. Clark and Eve V. Clark. Psychology and Language: An Introduction to Psycholinguistics. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, (1977).
