ABSTRACT
When examining meaning (semantics) in language, the unit of meaning, or lexeme, can be conveyed in one word or several (‘die’, ‘pass away’, ‘meet your maker’). In order for a lexeme to be meaningful the speaker requires some concept knowledge. For example, he needs to have seen a dog and appreciate the concept ‘dog’ before the word can be used meaningfully. Also, to grasp the meaning of lexemes implies that other cognitive factors support understanding of meaning. It is necessary that the child’s memory links object and word. Then, when the object is seen again, the word will be available, or when the child next uses the word he will remember the concept and object associated with the word.
