Denotation Variation Degree of Linguistic Sign: an Experimental Study of Interpretative Activity

Abstract

This article features the concept of denotation variation degree of the linguistic sign, which remains largely understudied. The research introduced the term "denotation variation degree" and revealed its practical and theoretic significance, both for general linguistics and for particular aspects related to the world denotation variation degree as part of individual interpretation. The objective was to describe the denotation variation degree as high or low based on specific vocabulary. The linguistic experiment included two steps; speakers were given a model situation and asked to interpret a definition. Test results demonstrated a low variation degree at the level of the word and denotation correlation because the denotate component had a low potential for notional plurality. High variation degree appeared in connotative and associational word components with a higher potential for the different notional variants.

Keywords

• semantic modifications
• word meaning
• interpretation
• interpretative practice
• context
• linguistic experiment