Synonymy and linguistic analysis

• Main Author: Harris, Roy
• Published: SOAS, University of London 1970
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.758842

A synonymity statement presents a comparison of linguistic items in respect of their linguistic meanings, abstracting from the particular: meanings in question and giving simply an assessment of 'semantic sameness' vs. 'semantic difference'. Questions connected with synonymity statements in linguistic analysis are considered in the present study under the following heads: (i) the justification of synonymity statements in terms of the postulates of linguistic analysis adopted; (ii) the role of synonymity statements in phonology; (iii) the role of synonymity statements in grammar; (iv) the role of synonymity statements in semantic analysis; and (v) the justification of synonymity statements in terms of a concept of 'linguistic knowledge'. In each case, according as the synonymity statement functions as explicans or explicandum, the theoretical positions generally adopted are examined, and arguments for or against are analysed. The ultimate objective in view is to establish a viable basis for integrating a linguistic analysis which employs synonymity statements with a theory of speech acts which will account for communication between language- users.