Basic principles of semantics and pragmatics

The book Basic Principles of Semantics and Pragmatics provides a comprehensive discussion of the fundamental concepts of semantics and pragmatics as two closely related branches of linguistics concerned with meaning in language. It is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly those in English Education, Linguistics, and Literature programs, as well as general readers who wish to understand how meaning is formed, used, and interpreted in communication. The book begins with an overview of semantics, including its definitions, types, and core aspects of meaning that serve as the foundation for linguistic analysis. Furthermore, the book explores key topics in semantics such as semiotics, lexicology, lexical relations, and grammatical meaning. These discussions cover denotation and connotation, literal and contextual meaning, idiomaticity, collocation, and semantic change, along with relationships between words. The explanations are supported by clear examples that help readers understand the application of semantic theories in both English and other languages, including Indonesian. The pragmatics section focuses on meaning in context, examining deixis, presupposition, entailment, implicature, speech acts, cooperative principles, and politeness theories and strategies. Overall, this book aims to provide both theoretical and practical insights that enhance readers’ linguistic competence and awareness of meaning, contributing positively to academic study and everyday communication.