What is the focus of semantics in language?

Semantics is the branch of linguistics and philosophy that studies meaning in language. Its primary focus is on the meanings of words, phrases, and sentences, as well as how those meanings are interpreted in various contexts. Understanding semantics allows one to grasp how language conveys concepts, emotions, and ideas, and it plays a crucial role in effective communication.

By examining the meanings of words and the relationships between them, semantics helps in analyzing how various meanings can shift based on context, usage, and even the speaker's intent. This contrasts with the other elements of language, such as syntax, which deals with sentence structure, pragmatics, which explores social aspects and language use, and nonverbal communication, which considers gestures and physical cues. Thus, the study of semantics is essential in understanding language at a deeper level, making it foundational to exploring developmental speech and language disorders.