Semantic Fields in the Play Man and the Other by Yasser Madkhali: A Semantic Study

Abstract

The study of meaning is one of the most important goals of modern linguistic lessons because meaning forms the basis of communication and understanding among members of human society. Words serve as symbols of functions through which humans communicate, and the meanings of these words are intertwined in relationships of similarity, dissonance, or participation. Theatrical discourse, as a form of literary discourse, relies on language as a tool for communication, addressing both readers and the audience. Examining it from a semantic perspective is crucial for understanding not only the language itself but also the cultural context it represents. The theory of semantic fields aims to analyze the communication process in language and classify it based on semantic domains. This classification is dependent on categorizing words according to their semantic fields and identifying the semantic relationships between these domains. Since theatrical discourse mirrors linguistic situations found in the real world, dialogues in theatrical scenes provide rich material for semantic studies. This study's objective is to track and analyze the words used in the play Man and the Other within the context of their significance. It aims to shed light on Saudi theatrical production while showcasing the applicability of semantic analysis to literary texts using the theory of semantic fields. Through this study, we uncover the semantic relationships within the semantic field embedded in theatrical discourse, providing valuable insights into both the play's context and the broader field of semantic analysis.