Semantics Chapter - Clip 4: Prototypes

Introduction

• Continuation of semantics series.
• Previous clips covered: basics, word meaning, frames, and connotation.

Limitations of Feature Semantics

• Feature semantics' all-or-nothing approach is unrealistic.
• Example: A tailless cat or a leafless tree still belong to their respective categories.

Prototype Theory

• Developed in the 1970s as an alternative semantic model.
• Works with semantic features differently:
  • Not all category members need all features.
  • Features can be present to varying degrees.

Key Concepts

• Graded Membership: Membership in a category is not binary but exists on a spectrum.

  • Better and less good category representatives exist.

• Prototype Example

  • Consider the concept of "bird":
    • Semantic features: laying eggs, singing, flying, having wings, beak, etc.
    • Birds with most features to a high degree are closer to the prototype (e.g., sparrows in Germany, robins in England).
  • Less prototypical birds fulfill fewer features to a lesser extent.

• Fuzzy Edges:

  • Some category members lie between categories.
  • Example: Duck-billed platypus (shares features with birds and mammals).

• Family Resemblance:

  • Members sharing most features with others in the category have the highest family resemblance.
  • Closest to the prototype.

Summary

• Prototype theory emphasizes "more or less" over "either or".
• Central member fulfills most features highly, others are less prototypical.
• Leads to graded membership and fuzzy edges.
• Family resemblance is highest in members sharing most features.

Next Topic

• Upcoming: Sense Relations and more models of meaning connection.