Context (language)
Context in language refers to the surrounding words and phrases that help clarify the meaning of a specific word or expression. It is essential for understanding vocabulary, especially when encountering unfamiliar terms. When the meaning of a word is unclear, readers can rely on context clues—such as synonyms, antonyms, comparisons, and descriptions—to infer its meaning. For instance, if one reads a sentence where an unknown word appears alongside familiar words, they can deduce the unknown term's meaning based on the overall message conveyed by the surrounding context.
Furthermore, context extends beyond vocabulary to encompass broader concepts studied in linguistics, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics, where it examines how language functions within social practices and cultural norms. This social context highlights that meanings can vary based on different audiences and situations, reflecting the diverse ways language is used across communities. Understanding context is crucial for effective communication and comprehension, as it weaves together the elements of language to create meaning.
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Context (language)
Context in language usually refers to the words that are used with or near a word that help explain its meaning. When the meaning of a word is not known, the context of a sentence or paragraph may be helpful in determining the word's meaning. When context is referenced in this way, it is known as verbal context. Context clues are familiar words or phrases that surround an unknown word. Context clues can take many forms including synonyms, antonyms, comparisons, and contrasts. Context is not limited to the understanding of vocabulary, however. Context is a major part of various language sciences such as linguistics, pragmatics, and semiotics, all of which study the effects of language in life. This is known as social context.
Overview
The word context is derived from the Latin words con (meaning together) and texere (meaning to weave). In terms of language, context weaves together a sentence so that it conveys a certain meaning. People use context to figure out the meaning of words or phrases they don't know. For example, in the sentence "The man made such an eloquent speech that he received a standing ovation," some readers may not know the meaning of eloquent. By looking at the words surrounding that word, however, they can determine what eloquent means. Since the man received a standing ovation for his speech, it must have been a very powerful speech. Therefore, the word eloquent must mean something like powerful or moving.
To determine the meaning of the word eloquent, a reader must use context clues. Context clues are the words or phrases that come before or after an unknown word that help clarify its meaning. There are many kinds of context clues. Synonyms and antonyms are often used to help readers determine what a word means. Comparisons and contrasts can also aid in the comprehension of words. Context clues can also take on a descriptive form, such as in the sentence "The woman wore a niqab that covered her head and face." The phrase "covered her head and face" describes what the niqab does. This context clue allows the reader to infer what a niqab is. A writer can also use a series of familiar words in a sentence to help identify an unfamiliar word. The use of cause and effect in sentences is another helpful context clue, such as in the sentence "The movie befuddled audiences because of its complicated plot." When something is complicated, it usually causes confusion; therefore, the word befuddled is understood to mean confused. Writers can also use a specific tone or setting to help readers understand their language.
Context can also take on a broader meaning. Context is often studied in relation to social practices. Social context is studied in sociolinguistics, a science. Social context is defined as how something is viewed based on different variables. The way a word or phrase is used by certain people may be different from how it is used by other people. Scientists study these differences in various context-related disciplines.
Bibliography
"Glossary." Stanford University. Stanford University. Web. 29 Jul. 2014. <http://web.stanford.edu/group/arts/nicaragua/student/mural/glossary.html>
Mey, J.L. Concise Encyclopedia of Pragmatics. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2009. Print.
Sebranek, Peter, Dave Kemper, and Verne Meyer. Writers, Inc. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2006. Print.