Unit 702 [electronic resource] : Changes in the Meanings of Words, I.

In this seventh-grade language unit, the study of semantics is introduced by an examination of the relationships between words and their referents, particularly in terms of changes of meaning and degrees of abstraction. Classroom activities are suggested to help students become aware of "langua...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Online Access: Full Text (via ERIC)
Corporate Author: University of Minnesota. Center for Curriculum Development in English
Format: Electronic eBook
Language:English
Published: [S.l.] : Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse, 1968.
Subjects:
Description
Summary:In this seventh-grade language unit, the study of semantics is introduced by an examination of the relationships between words and their referents, particularly in terms of changes of meaning and degrees of abstraction. Classroom activities are suggested to help students become aware of "language liveliness" and the processes of specialization and generalization: e.g., mapmaking, designing abstraction ladders and Venn diagrams, playing competitive games, comparing words from Samuel Johnson's "Dictionary" with present-day usage, and studying "The Most Dangerous Game" for changes in the words "hunt" and "animal." The writings of S. I. Hayakawa, Neil and Simon Postman, Jonathan Swift, and others are used to emphasize that changes and variations in word meanings are both natural and inevitable. Supplementary activities for able students, worksheets, and a bibliography on semantics are also included. (JB)
Item Description:Sponsoring Agency: Office of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC. Bureau of Research.
Contract Number: OEC-SAE-3-10-010.
Educational level discussed: Grade 7.
Educational level discussed: Secondary Education.
ERIC Document Number: ED027317.
Physical Description:43 p.