How Words Shape Our Thoughts: The Role of Connotation in Language
Keywords:
Connotation, Literary Analysis, Semantic ApproachAbstract
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.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Imeliana Saragih, Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik
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