Context and Its Effect on Determining Meaning

Abstract

This research examines contextual theory, which has established bridges between language and social life. It traces the roots and development of the concept of context, its foundations and ideas, and its most prominent figures. It also explores the impact of context on defining and directing meaning, revealing its hidden meanings, its role in changing meaning, and its contribution to the revival or demise of words.The study concluded that the concept of context had transformed into an independent theory that specialized in studying semantics, and focused on the social element of language, as it gave it great importance at a time when language was studied from within. Firth, the pioneer of this theory, was distinguished by what he achieved in terms of expansion and addition represented by the idea of ​​linguistic arrangement and sequential analysis of the interconnected and influential contexts between them, starting from the smallest phonetic unit and reaching the context of culture.The broad scope, in addition to demonstrating the clear impact of context on changing meaning and revealing and defining meaning, is highlighted by the diverse examples and applied evidence studied.