Componential analysis
Componential analysis, also called semantic feature analysis, refers to the description of the meaning of words through structured sets of semantic features, which are given as “present”, “absent” or “indifferent with reference to feature”. The method thus departs from the principle of compositionality. Example: man = [+ male], [+ mature] vs. woman = [– male], [+ mature] vs. boy = [+ male], [– mature] vs. girl [– male] [– mature] vs. child [+/– male] [– mature]. Componential analysis is a method typical of structural semantics.
Historical Context
Structural semantics and the componential analysis were patterned on the phonological methods of the Prague School, which described sounds by determining the absence and presence of features. On the one hand, componential analysis gave birth to various models in generative semantics, lexical field theory and transformational grammar. On the other hand, its shortcoming were also visible:
- The discovery procedures for semantic features are not clearly objectifiable.
- Only part of the vocabulary can be described through more or less structured sets of features.
- Metalinguistic features are expressed through language again.
- Features used may not have clear definitions.
As a consequence, entirely different ways to describe meaning were developped, such as prototype semantics.
See also
References
- Bussmann, Hadumod (1996), Routledge Dictionary of Language and Linguistics, London: Routledge, s.v. componential analysis.