| In this dissertation in the field of lexical semantics, the researcher investigated the lexical relations of synonymy, antonymy, complementarity, and converseness in Kuwaiti Arabic and compared the data with corresponding utterances from American English. The analysis was conducted using three primary frameworks: a modified version of componential analysis, feature analysis (using fields and domains), and schemata analysis.;The data in each chapter relating to a lexical relation were tested using logical tests such as entailment, negation, and presupposition, as well as relying on contextual explanations. Similarities (particularly with antonyms, complementaries, and converses) and differences were found between the corresponding data.;The researcher concluded that the differences observed are due to convention rather than cognition, an outcome supported by the majority of the similarities in the data investigated. Also of interest was the fact that utilizing a combination of approaches, as opposed to relying on just one or the other, proved more useful in determining the meaning of the lexical items and pairs selected, as well as more beneficial in interpreting the differences between the two linguistic systems as they pertain to each lexical relation. The significance of this study revolves around the fact that Kuwaiti Arabic has not been explored in this descriptive and comparative manner previously. |
