Introduction Words have power . As researchers , we have a responsibility to consider the power imbued in certain terms , just as we consider the importance of other power relations within our research . Across different disciplines , debates rage about the appropriateness of specific language and terminology . For example , in the field of drug science , there is disagreement about the meaning of the word ‘ addiction ’, 1 and in sociology there is debate about how to describe inequalities caused by racism without reinforcing outdated notions of race as a biological category . 2
The study of the meaning of words , or semantics , presents three issues that arise when considering the meaning of words . The first is that to define words , we must use words , which leads to the need to define more words . 3 The second is that people ’ s understanding of words is based in real world experience as well as linguistic knowledge . For example , one must know both the word ‘ smartphone ’ and what a smartphone is to be able to talk about a smartphone . 4 The third is that different people may ascribe different meanings to words based on their experience . 5 For example , the term ‘ social media ’ may bring up feelings of connection for some and inadequacy for others .
Semiotics is the study of the interaction between words and what they represent . 6 For example , the word pornography ( porn ) is not itself pornography . Instead , it is a signifier of pornography , allowing the meaning of pornography to be conveyed . Depending on the context , the word pornography may also convey a reference to something which is beautifully presented , as with ‘ food-porn ’ or titillating in its presentation , as with ‘ disaster-porn ’. 7 Semiotics therefore explores the various meanings that a signifier may hold .
As a legal scholar , I am also interested in how the law adds meaning to words whether by virtue of legal definitions or by criminalising activities . My
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