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An Analysis of Semantics: Denotative and Connotative Meaning in the Song “Exile” by Taylor Swift Jeyola Josevine Pangaribuan; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
Journal of Golden Generation Multidisciplinary Vol. 2 No. 3 (2026): Juni : Journal of Golden Generation Multidisciplinary
Publisher : PT. Lembaga Penerbit Penelitian Nusantara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65244/jggm.v2i3.782

Abstract

Penelitian ini dirancang untuk menguji bagaimana kita memahami makna denotatif dan konotatif dalam lirik lagu "Exile" karya Taylor Swift. Penelitian ini juga bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi dan menganalisis penggunaan makna denotatif dan konotatif yang terdapat dalam lagu "Exile" karya Taylor Swift. Semantik, sebagai cabang linguistik, memiliki peran penting dalam menjelaskan bagaimana makna terbentuk dalam bahasa dan memainkan peran penting dalam memahami bagaimana makna dibangun dalam bahasa, baik secara harfiah maupun kiasan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan memeriksa lirik lagu untuk mengidentifikasi kata, frasa, dan ekspresi yang mengandung makna denotatif (harfiah) dan konotatif (tersirat). Temuan menunjukkan bahwa meskipun beberapa lirik menyampaikan makna denotatif yang jelas, sejumlah besar ekspresi kaya akan makna konotatif yang mencerminkan kedalaman emosional. Aspek konotatif ini memperkaya interpretasi lirik, memungkinkan pendengar untuk memahami makna di balik permukaan dan terhubung lebih dalam dengan alur cerita emosional lagu, seperti perasaan patah hati, kesalahpahaman, dan perpisahan. Unsur-unsur konotatif dalam lagu berkontribusi pada interpretasi yang lebih dalam di luar makna literal, memungkinkan pendengar untuk terhubung dengan narasi emosional. Oleh karena itu, studi ini menyoroti pentingnya analisis semantik dalam memahami lirik lagu dan menunjukkan bagaimana makna denotatif dan konotatif bekerja bersama untuk meningkatkan pesan keseluruhan sebuah lagu. Kesimpulannya, studi ini menggarisbawahi pentingnya analisis semantik dalam menafsirkan lirik lagu dan menggambarkan bagaimana kombinasi makna denotatif dan konotatif membantu mengkomunikasikan pesan keseluruhan secara lebih efektif.  
A Semantic Analysis of Denotative and Connotative Meaning in the Song “Risk It All” by Bruno Mars Nessa Tri Fanny Lumban Tobing; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
Jurnal Bersama Ilmu Pendidikan (DIDIK) Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026): Mei 2026
Publisher : Yayasan Literasi Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.55123/didik.v2i2.572

Abstract

This study explores the semantic facets of denotative and connotative meanings in Bruno Mars's “Risk It All for You,” centering on the pivotal phrase “risk it all” (repeated in the chorus: “I'd risk it all for you”). Using a qualitative descriptive method, it breaks down selected lyrics to show layered interpretations.“I'd risk it all for you” (Chorus): Denotative meaning: Literally, it declares a readiness to hazard everything—finances, safety, future—for the loved one, forming a narrative of bold commitment and sacrifice. Connotative meaning: Implies profound vulnerability and emotional gamble, evoking devotion's terror and thrill; the gambling metaphor symbolizes life's high-stakes bets on love, resonating with listeners' fears of loss. Hyperbole intensifies this, suggesting total surrender. Contextual enhancers: The upbeat yet urgent tone and repetitive structure amplify connotations of unwavering loyalty amid uncertainty. Other lines reinforce this: “Even if it breaks me in two” adds hyperbolic imagery of self-destruction, while “No regrets, no looking back” underscores irreversible risk. Findings confirm denotative layers provide a clear love story, but connotative ones—via metaphor, symbolism, and word choice—infuse emotional depth. Ultimately, “risk it all” exemplifies how such interplay boosts the song's relatability, highlighting semantic analysis for appreciating contemporary lyric,because if the contents of this template are deleted, the numbers will be sorted automatically. If you want to try deleting the contents of this template, please backup it first.
Analysis Of Lexical Semantic Ambiguity In Translating Indonesian Sentences Into English Using Google Translate And Chat-GPT Daniel Binsah Lumban Gaol; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
Alinea: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra dan Pengajaran Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): Alinea: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, dan Pengajaran
Publisher : Bale Literasi: Lembaga Riset, Pelatihan & Edukasi, Sosial, Publikasi

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58218/alinea.v5i2.1625

Abstract

The background of this study focuses on the importance of accuracy in translating sentences containing lexical ambiguity. Misunderstandings often occur in cross-language understanding because each language must have a translation tool by selecting and translating sentences with many possible meanings. This study aims to analyze the results of translating Indonesian sentences containing lexical ambiguity into English using two translation engines, namely Google Translate and ChatGPT. The method used is descriptive qualitative with a content analysis approach. Data in the form of sentences containing ambiguity were collected and translated using both tools, then analyzed based on semantic theory and translation theory. The results of the study show that both translation tools are able to translate ambiguous sentences with varying degrees of success. The results of the analysis show that both Google Translate and ChatGPT have the ability to translate sentences where there is a meaning with varying degrees of success. ChatGPT tends to produce translations that are more contextual and closer to the actual meaning than Google Translate which tends to translate literally. Thus, it can be concluded that the development of translation technology must consider the ability to understand context semantically so that the translation results are more accurate and natural.
Constructing Emotional Meaning Through Deixis: A Semantic Analysis of Deictic Expressions in Adele’s "Someone Like You” Kristin Permata Sari Manalu; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
Jurnal Bersama Ilmu Pendidikan (DIDIK) Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026): Mei 2026
Publisher : Yayasan Literasi Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.55123/didik.v2i2.592

Abstract

This research examines how deictic markers in Adele’s well‑known song "Someone Like You" generate emotional significance through a semantic lens. Using a mixed approach that combines qualitative identification and quantitative frequency counts, the study isolates five categories of deixis—person, temporal, spatial, discourse, and social—within the lyric text. The analysis tracks how each type shifts its reference according to the song’s narrative context and maps those shifts onto the emotional states expressed across verses, chorus, bridge, and outro. The findings show that person deixis (I, you, someone) appears most often, building both intimacy and psychological distance. Temporal markers (never mind, sometimes) evoke nostalgia and regret, while spatial terms (here, there) mark emotional separation. Discourse connectors (but, so, and) weave the lyrical fragments into a coherent story, and a clear shift in deictic center moves the listener’s perspective from observer to dialogue participant to solitary reflector. These results confirm that deixis operates as a core semantic device for constructing affective meaning in popular music, directly answering the research questions about how context‑dependent reference produces the song’s emotional arc from longing to acceptance. Practically, songwriters and music educators can apply deictic mapping to enhance emotional storytelling or to teach language‑emotion interplay in lyrics. Future comparative studies across musical genres or languages are suggested to test the generalizability of these patterns.
Apologizing in Daily Life: A Speech Act Analysis in English Elisabeth Dwi Clara; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Publisher : Yayasan Bayt Shufiya Nusantara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.66867/yjssh.v1i2.144

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the forms and functions of apologizing as a speech act in everyday communication from a pragmatic and sociolinguistic perspective. Using a qualitative library research method, data were collected from recent scholarly sources and analyzed through the frameworks of speech act theory and politeness theory. The findings show that apologies are influenced by social factors such as power relations, social distance, and the severity of the offense. Apologies are often delivered indirectly, using hedges and softeners to mitigate face threats. This indicates that apologizing is not merely a personal expression of regret, but a strategic act to maintain social harmony.
Semantic Ambiguity in Translation: A Comparative Study Between English and Indonesian Tias Bastian Saragih; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Publisher : Yayasan Bayt Shufiya Nusantara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.66867/yjssh.v1i2.145

Abstract

This study investigates semantic ambiguity in translation, with a specific focus on lexical ambiguity in the English–Indonesian translation of the Cinderella short story. Grounded in Nida and Taber’s theory of semantic equivalence and Baker’s framework of non-equivalence, the research examines how lexical items in the source language may lead to multiple interpretations or shifts in meaning when translated into the target language. Using a qualitative content analysis method, the study identifies patterns of meaning distortion resulting from ambiguous or culturally loaded words. The findings indicate that lexical ambiguity significantly contributes to semantic non-equivalence, often causing partial or lost meaning that undermines narrative clarity and coherence. The study highlights the critical role of contextual awareness and lexical precision in literary translation to preserve intended meaning.
How Words Shape Our Thoughts: The Role of Connotation in Language Eksaulina Simanjuntak; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Publisher : Yayasan Bayt Shufiya Nusantara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.66867/yjssh.v1i2.149

Abstract

This study investigates the role of connotation in shaping meaning beyond the literal level in linguistic communication. Using a qualitative library research method, the analysis focuses on how connotative meanings influence emotional expression, social judgment, and cultural perception. The findings reveal that connotation operates dynamically through context whether interpersonal, cultural, or institutional significantly affecting how language is interpreted. Words with similar denotations may evoke entirely different responses depending on their connotative tone. For example, terms such as “thrifty” and “cheap” share core meanings but differ in emotional weight. Furthermore, connotation plays a powerful role in media, education, and political discourse. This underscores the necessity of connotative awareness for effective and ethical communication.
How Words Shape Our Thoughts: The Role of Connotation in Language Imeliana Saragih; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Publisher : Yayasan Bayt Shufiya Nusantara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.66867/yjssh.v1i2.150

Abstract

This study explores the role of connotation in literary analysis through a semantic approach, focusing on how implicit meanings and emotional nuances in literary language enrich textual interpretation. Conducted as a library-based research, this study draws upon various literary texts and theoretical sources to investigate how connotation functions as a key element in understanding the aesthetic, ideological, and cultural dimensions of literary works. By analyzing a range of texts across different genres and historical periods, the research demonstrates that connotation not only enhances literal meaning but also reveals deeper interpretive layers. Through a semantic lens, it emphasizes the importance of sensitivity to word choice, cultural associations, and historical context in critically reading literature. The findings affirm that awareness of connotation is a vital tool for uncovering the complexity of literary meaning and broadening readers’ interpretive perspectives. Moreover, the study highlights the potential of semantic analysis to bridge linguistic and literary disciplines, fostering a more nuanced and interdisciplinary approach. Ultimately, it encourages deeper engagement with literature that transcends surface-level reading and embraces language’s rich capacity for meaning.
The Role of Semantic Ambiguity in Communication and Misunderstanding Indah Peronika Siahaan; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Publisher : Yayasan Bayt Shufiya Nusantara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.66867/yjssh.v1i2.151

Abstract

This article aims to explore the function of semantic ambiguity in natural language, focusing on how multiple meanings in words, phrases, or sentences can both facilitate and hinder communication. Using a literature-based approach, the study draws upon theories from linguistic semantics, philosophy of language, and cognitive psychology. The findings reveal that semantic ambiguity operates as a double-edged sword: while it enriches expression through symbolic flexibility and interpretive depth, it also poses a significant risk for misunderstanding, especially when contextual cues are limited or when interlocutors do not share cultural or cognitive frameworks. In digital and cross-cultural interactions, the lack of nonverbal cues and shared knowledge intensifies ambiguity. The study also highlights the difficulty artificial intelligence faces in handling semantic nuance, as machines often lack the inferential capacity to resolve ambiguity contextually. Thus, the paper underscores the importance of semantic awareness, meaning negotiation, and clarification strategies in managing ambiguity to support clear and adaptive communication.
Analysis of Sarcasm in Social Media Tweets Semantic Perspective Leony Sitorus; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Publisher : Yayasan Bayt Shufiya Nusantara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.66867/yjssh.v1i2.152

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of sarcasm in social media, particularly on Twitter, through a semantic and ethnographic lens. The aim is to explore how semantic cues—such as lexical choices, tone, and context—help users recognize sarcastic intent in written digital communication. Employing an ethnographic research design, this study observes linguistic behavior in natural online settings by collecting primary data from selected sarcastic tweets and secondary data from related linguistic and communication studies. Data were gathered using purposive sampling of tweets that explicitly exhibit sarcastic language, followed by contextual observation and discourse analysis. The findings indicate that sarcasm on Twitter commonly relies on exaggerated positivity used in negative or frustrating contexts, lexical contrast, ironic tone, and punctuation cues such as exclamation marks or quotation marks. These patterns are often used to signal meaning that contradicts the surface expression. The study highlights that understanding sarcasm requires more than decoding words—it demands cultural, contextual, and pragmatic awareness. The ethnographic approach provides insight into how online communities use shared knowledge and social cues to interpret sarcastic content. This research emphasizes the need for language sensitivity in digital communication to reduce misinterpretation and foster more effective online interaction.