A semantic and pragmatic analysis of the Spanish word 'lie' : implications and applications for the second language learner.

Date

2012-05

Authors

Eichelberger, Julie

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Worldwide access

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Abstract

In 1981 Coleman and Kay asserted a semantic prototype to define the English word lie. Hardin (2010) and Cole (1996) both replicated Coleman and Kay’s analysis in Ecuador and Saudi Arabia respectively and analyzed whether or not there is a cross cultural similarity in the interpretation of lie. The following paper examines whether or not the Spanish word mentira or 'lie' in Madrid, Spain includes the same elements from Coleman and Kay’s prototype, and also offers a pragmatic explanation for some lies, specifically, social lies. Secondly, the present study explores possible pragmatic acquisition in a second language with regard to the interpretation of lie according to interlanguage pragmatics and the acculturation theory.

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Keywords

Pragmatics., Semantics., Spanish linguistics.

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