Semantic Concepts
Semantics features - meaning of a word
Reference/referent - the concept that a word refers to (also meaning)
Lexical relation - the relationship of the term with other words
We use words to communicate ideas and concepts; without them, communication would be severely limited. The meaning of words, however, do not remain stagnant. The usage of words and their meanings constantly change alongside the development of society and culture. Analyzing word utilizing semantic concepts can help us understand how a word and its usage changed over time, and how its relation to society has deviated from its original function.
The speed at which the world is currently developing is frighteningly fast. Words that have once been considered a taboo to specific
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the police shootings as seen in the news), words play a big role. There are many derogatory terms that are used to express such discrimination. However, with the turn of the century, some terms are gaining new meanings. nigga, is such a term. The word nigga, is a synonym and a homophone of nigger, which is derived from the Portugese term Negro, which meant the color black.
The word nigga has been used as a term of affection/endearment, similar to buddy, dude, homie within the recent decades, but only mostly between two individuals that are of the same ethnicity (usually African-American). There has been conflict over whether the word should be used to denote such meanings, with some people supporting its usage, and others crying out against it.
Lexical relations of the word nigga, is mostly with its original derived-from word nigger. Nigger has an offensive, insulting meaning and was commonly used throughout the US until the black civil rights movement. It is a synonym (arguably with the same meaning during the early stages of common use) of nigger. It is also a homophone of nigger, sharing a closely similar pronunciation(or the same). This is usually the case for words derived another. Words in such situations, share close, if not similar
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This, however, is not agreed on by all African-Africans as many still think that nigga is a strong reminder the oppressed past they had to face. The usage depends on the in-groups of a community and how they view the word. Even so, friendly usage of nigga will almost, most certainly remain only in in-groups or within the African-American community.
The conceptual meaning, or the meaning of the word as it was intended to be, is used to describe a person with darker toned skin and of African origin/ roots, with a strong derogatory direction. The meaning of nigga(nigger) resonates so strongly with the world that people rarely use it as an attempt to avoid being racist. Culturally, it could mean the same (as an insult/rude word) or as a substitute term for friend or buddy. This meaning would most likely be limited within a community (African-American), with a shared culture, viewpoint, and more importantly, a common
The Controversy: The Banning Of Huck Finn
190 Words | 1 PagesIf you ask two different people what the n word meant you would probably get two completely different responses. One might say it is insulting and degrading, another might say it is a term of endearment. Throughout Huck Finn this word was used a total of 219 times. If the n word were not a degrading term there would not be so much controversy about banning and censoring Huck Finn. However, the word has been altered since it was used in the time period of Huck Finn.
Should Huckleberry Finn Be Taught In Schools Essay
709 Words | 3 PagesCensoring or hiding the word isn't the way to go, the word exists people will find it sooner or later so why not rip the Band-Aid and let it be taught in the best environment possible, a school. In an article named Masterpiece or racist trash by Barbara Apstein she wrote that “Jim embodies the stereotype of the “darky”: he is superstitious and gullible and often appears more childlike than Huck himself”(Barbara Apstein).Back then African Americans would have to deal with white people being on top of the hierarchy. The stereotype for black people back then was them being gullible and superstitious according to Barbara, having a definition for the n-word is a good thing for the country's society to know so that they can have more knowledge on the things they say. Barbara also stated that “Thoughtful examination of Twain's use of the n-word can help teach students the importance of understanding the context in which the word is used”(Barbara Apstein).Which perfectly sums up why it's important for students to have this knowledge. This history should be hidden under lock and key.
Journalist Don Lemon Essay
831 Words | 4 PagesThis little kid in a school uniform no older than seven years old, he was crying his eyes out as he walked down the sidewalk with his mother. I 'm going to be honest here, she turned to him, and she said ‘I 'm sick of you. You act like an old ass man, stop all that crying, nigger.’” This goes to show how the word is used often, but it is not used in its original
'What Does Being Called A' Nigger Mean
74 Words | 1 PagesWhy is being called a “Nigger” so hurtful for African Americans currently to date? Being called a, “Nigger” means to be called ignorant, dark-skinned, or of African descent. To this day, we’re still being called that awful word although it is not to be used anymore. It is a racial slur that should never be used and if it is used should be high consequences. This is the biggest insult to Black people everywhere.
Why African Americans Want To Be Nigger Essay
512 Words | 3 PagesNigger is a noun in the English language. It had originally come from the Spanish/ Portuguese variation of Negro, which originated from the Latin adjective Niger. It was first used by John Rolfe to explain the first African slave ships in Virginia during 1619. In
Racial Interview Questions
659 Words | 3 Pages• I never had any encounters with another race in my neighborhood, all the people around me were very kind. When and where did you first hear the word, “nigger,” or other similar racial slurs? • The first time I hear the word “Negro” “Black” was when I was about 13 years old, when my grandma ask me if I like that black guy.
Jim Crow Laws To Enforce Segregation In The 1870s
337 Words | 2 PagesBlack people were also called harsh names, such as the "n" word. Black people must have felt left out, only having what white people weren’t using.
Racism And Prejudice In ZZ Packer's 'Brownies'
425 Words | 2 PagesOne of the troop member’s fathers mistreated a group of Mennonites because he felt that it would be the only time he would have white folk on their knees working for him. The feelings were a product of the environment created by society. How can a Caucasian relate to how it feels to be called a “nigger”? How can they hate and dislike their own race? When is it even okay to use the word nigger and in what
Huckleberry Finn Dialectical Journal
1153 Words | 5 PagesThe word may be offensive to some, but it has historical concept that is needed to follow the story. The word is used many times, especially by Huck. For example Huck remarks, “It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger; but I done it, and I warn't ever sorry for it afterwards, neither. I didn't do him no more mean tricks, and I wouldn't done that one if I'd a knowed it would make him feel that way. (15.49)”
How Does Baldwin Use Ethos In A Talk To Teachers
459 Words | 2 Pages“A Talk to Teachers” Questions 1-12 1. Baldwin establishes with his audience that he is not a teacher and like all of them lives in a dangerous time. He establishes his ethos by telling his audience that he is not (a teacher) and that he is (a fellow citizen who like them lives in a dangerous time). 2.
The Importance Of Nigger
897 Words | 4 PagesIn the early 1780’s, the phrase “nigger” has created criticism and disrespect which whites have an unwelcome rejection of blacks. The term has spread widely over many decades; the meaning of nigger is extended to “an ignorant person” (Nigger, 2018). In English-speaking land, this word in some cases can be misunderstood as an insult without people consent especially in today’s society. Nigger is commonly used in young generations because there are many jokes into the word. It depends on how people use the term in a positive or negative in black culture (Nigger, 2004).
'The Offensive Movie Cliché That Won' T Die Analysis
884 Words | 4 PagesAccording to Matt Seitz, the word “Negro” started to fall out forty years ago. He mentions that “the word negro was easier for people
Summary Of In Defense Of A Loaded Word
654 Words | 3 PagesWhen America was founded in 1776, slavery was widely practiced and accepted, and the n-word was frequently used as a way to address African slaves. Most, or at least all Americans at that time believed that Africans were sub-humans that had no rights to their names whatsoever. The word itself evolved from the Spanish word negro as well as from the French word nègre, both which have the meaning of the color black. Even after slavery was abolished in 1865, African-Americans still lacked rights and were frequently called the n-word as well. The word holds a heavy connotation which brings up terrible memories from history as well as times of rebellion and the civil rights
Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee
1146 Words | 5 PagesAnother way to combat prejudice is by teaching against it to the upcoming generation. Atticus teaches Scout and Jem that demoralizing vocabulary should not be used, especially against black people. He says to them, nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don 't mean anythinglike snot-nose. It 's hard to explainignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody 's favoring Negroes over and above themselves. It 's slipped into usage with some people like ourselves, when they want a common, ugly term to label somebody.
What It Means To Say N Word Essay
572 Words | 3 PagesIn the dictionary nigger is defined as a contemptuous term for a black or dark-skinned person. During slavery it was used as a way for white people to oppress slaves, and after slavery was ended it was still used to oppress and demean black people. This is why the word nigger is such a loaded word. After the civil rights movement, the black community reclaimed the n-word.
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