نظريات دراسـة الـمعـنى (بين التراث اللغوي العربي والدرس اللغوي الغربي)

Theories of study of meaning have their roots in the linguistic and fundamental heritage of ancient Arabs. However, it was scattered and not compiled in a devoted science. None of the ancient Arabs demonstrated its theoretical framework and developed its rules and elements, which was achieved later by western linguists, who cared for studying semantics. Therefore, they developed the related theories and set their rules, characteristics, features and principles.
The field of meaning witnessed various differences concerning definitions, mechanisms, topics and areas, as each investigates meaning from a special perspective.
Denotational Theory considers meaning as the indication. However, the conception of having two synonyms denoting the same reference renders the essence of meaning inaccurate.
Ideational Theory looks at the meaning as the mental image, but it was severely criticized, as it interprets ambiguous things and meanings by ideas and conceptions.
Behavioral Theory considers that meaning is the outcome of psycholinguistic relationship between the stimulus and response. On the other hand, it neglected many events that are unmeasurable for not generating responses or inclinations.
Contextual Theory managed to find a solution for studying meaning and overcoming flaws of similar theories in the realm of meaning theories. It addressed meaning in various contexts. Whether words are ambiguous, not containing a mental image or separated from responses, they have special applications as the meaning is investigated in a certain context.