Introductory models and basic concepts: meaning

Berlo on Meaning

Meanings are never fixed; as experience changes, so meanings change

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Meanings will change considerably in the language system we use. A fairly straightforward example is the use of the word 'atomic' which, in the early, more optimistic, days of nuclear power, used to be used to advertise just about anything new on the market. Today, most of us might be a little wary of buying an 'Atomic Vacuum Cleaner'.

You can no doubt think of many other words whose meaning has changed, such as 'gay'. At the time I am writing, young people use the word 'bad' to mean 'good' (I think) and 'wicked' shows appreciation. My son tells me he thinks his bedroom is 'pretty neat'. I, who grew up learning that 'neat' goes together with 'tidy', wonder if he's gone blind.

But what of other signs? For example, cigarettes are signs in a non-verbal code. Their meaning has changed quite radically. I am a cigarette smoker myself, but I am nevertheless often shocked when I see an old movie where people light up wherever they are, even in someone else's house, without asking permission. I know from the use of other signs in the movie that I am intended to see cigarette smokers as smooth and sophisticated (the 'meaning' of the 'sign' cigarette), but, despite my own habit, I now find it hard to see them as anything other than stupid.

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