The Types of Meaning Semantics is the study of meaning; deals specifically with logical and conceptual meaning. Specificity is necessary in this case, since the search for meaning has for centuries been the task of different fields of research and study, each of which has defined “meaning” according to its own needs. While it is difficult to justify such a demarcation, it is nevertheless necessary to separate the fields of “real world” knowledge from the meaning of language itself. Broadening the definition of meaning too broadly, as Leech accuses Bloomfield, would result in a vast area of ​​knowledge impossible to penetrate systematically (qtd. in Bloomfeld 9). Therefore, Leech is primarily concerned with the science of language, that is, how words and sentences work together to relate to real-world actions, objects, and processes. It then seeks to break this still very broad definition into manageable chunks by recognizing seven different types of meaning that work together to enable effective communication through language. The first, and of primary importance, is the conceptual meaning. The other five that fall under the banner of associative meanings are connotative meaning, social meaning, affective meaning, reflected meaning, and collocational meaning. The latter is the thematic meaning. Conceptual meaning is widely considered to be a fundamental element of all linguistic communication. Leech considers it necessary in almost all forms of language-based communication (10). It provides the complex organization that mirrors the order evident in the other key areas of language, phonology, that is, sound, and syntax related to grammar and sentence construction. In particular Leech's principle of... middle of paper... red, although he says it would be very possible to add many other types. Furthermore, the lines that distinguish the seven types of meaning can often blur. For example, one might argue whether differences in a sentence arise because of conceptual or connotative meaning. "He put the box under the bed." "He put the box under the bed." Some might point out that the difference is exclusively stylistic, the latter being more formal than the former and therefore concerned with connotation. Although you could argue that the concept of putting and positioning an object differs in terms of precision and care. In these cases, it may be easier to assume that the difference in meaning occurs on more than one of these planes and that they often overlap. Works Cited Leech, Geoffery. Semantics the study of meaning. Penguin books. 1983. Print.