Understanding 'Semantics' Dismissals in Communication: Significance and Implications

Have you ever encountered a situation where someone dismisses your point with the phrase 'that’s just semantics'? This common phrase is often used to trivialize the importance of the meaning behind words, but it can have significant implications in various aspects of communication. In this article, we will explore the importance of semantics in communication and the implications of dismissing semantics.

The Meaning of 'Semantics'

Before diving into the implications of semantics dismissals, it is essential to understand what 'semantics' truly means. Semantics is the study of meanings of words, phrases, and sentences. It encompasses the relationship between signs and symbols and what they represent in terms of meaning. When someone uses the phrase 'that’s just semantics,' they are often trying to downplay the importance of the words or the meaning behind them.

Context and Meaning in Communication

The phrase 'that’s just semantics' can be quite misleading because it implies that the choice of words is trivial and does not matter in the grand scheme of communication. However, this is far from the truth. Let’s consider an example from the popular game Assassin’s Creed 1.

A Gaming Example: 'Genetic Memory'

Warren: What if I told you that the human body not only houses an individual’s memory but also the memories of their ancestors? Genetic memory, essentially. Migration, hibernation, reproduction. How do animals know when and where to go? What to do?

Desmond: That’s just animal instinct.

Warren: Now you’re arguing semantics, Mr. Miles. Whatever you want to call it, the fact remains.

In this exchange, Warren introduces the concept of genetic memory, which is crucial to his experiment. Desmond dismisses this by rephrasing Warren’s argument, using simpler and more familiar terms. Warren calls Desmond out for this, highlighting the importance of the semantics used.

Dismissing Semantics in Arguments

When someone dismisses your argument as 'simply semantics,' they are essentially invalidating your point because it relies on wording, phrasing, or the perspective of how vocabulary is being used. This can lead to a misunderstanding or the misinterpretation of the true meaning of a statement. For instance, in the example provided, Desmond is failing to recognize the significance of Warren’s argument by simplifying it to 'animal instinct.'

Implications for Misunderstanding and Agreement

There are instances where the term 'semantics' is used to highlight a potential misunderstanding in communication. If a speaker uses specific terms or jargon, and the listener is not familiar with them, they might be confused. In such cases, the listener might agree with the speaker but feel driven to use the same terms to ensure clarity. For example:

Clarifying Intentions

When a speaker employs specific semantics to explain themselves and the listener does not immediately understand the reference or context, they might feel that the words themselves are causing the misunderstanding. The listener might then say, 'I agree with you, but not with the terms you are using.' This disagreement remains a matter of semantics.

Case Study: The Example of 'Semantics'

The example provided in the question highlights the importance of understanding semantics in communication. The statement 'semantics doesn’t give a clue to meaning' emphasizes that the word choices do not necessarily provide insight into the true meaning. Instead, the meaning depends on the context and the situation in which the words are used. This aligns with the concept of pragmatics, which deals with the use of language in context and the ways in which it is used to convey meaning.

Conclusion

The phrase 'that’s just semantics' can be a powerful tool for dismissing important distinctions in meaning. However, it is crucial to recognize the importance of semantics in communication to avoid misunderstandings and ensure clear and effective communication.