Explanation
Meaning is used here as an orientation concept for what linguistic expressions convey and how they can do so. Different theories answer different questions: what content does an expression have, what does it refer to, and what gives it that meaning? Reference, speaker intention, linguistic convention and context are therefore not interchangeable. Links from hermeneutics, intentionality and externalism open several approaches without merging them into one theory. Each analysis should state whether it concerns words, sentences, particular utterances or the conditions of understanding them.
Movement of thought
1. Identify the bearer of meaning. 2. Distinguish content from reference. 3. Account for the utterance context. 4. Specify the explanatory theory and its scope.
Scientific use case
A study could model the stable usage rule and changing reference of indexical expressions separately.
Example
Constructed: When Mira and Leon each say “I am here”, the expressions remain the same while their reference changes with speaker and place.
Counterexample
Two expressions can refer to the same object while conveying different information.
Distinction
Distinguish meaning from mere reference, subjective association and communicative effect without excluding any of them categorically.
Effect on thought and perception
Separating levels can reveal that an apparent disagreement addresses different questions.
Resonance
A word carries a path of understanding; use reveals where it leads.
Provenance
Parallel source review reconciled 2026-10-07; human specialist review not claimed.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Meaning“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G02-019. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G02-019The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.