Linguists and language analysts as well as the populace have been advised to use Multimodal Critical Pragmatics (MCP) Theory and the Multimodal CPrag3SD, a multi-functional model for analysing meaning in all natural languages.
A Professor of Pragmatics in Communication at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof Ebiere Ken-Maduako made the call last Thursday,while delivering his inaugural lecture at the 39th Inaugural  lecture  series of the University in Port Harcourt.
Ken-Maduako,who emphasised the need for  users of words to consider the contextual and conceptual meanings to the choice of words used, so as to avoid being misunderstood as well as mis-interpreted .
“Having been given topics by my lecturer, on the title: ‘meaning of meaning’, after doing much research and understanding cleared, meaning became an intrigue. I seek and find meaning and different dimensions of meaning in everything I see, conversation I listened to, and activities that I observe, I read people’s body language effortlessly and I just seem to hear the “unsaid said” in every speech encounter.”
The Guest Inaugural Lecturer, stressed on what meaning is and how it should be applied in communications, adding that there were various forms of communication which includes verbal; non-verbal; written and visual as modes of expression with different forms of languages.
In her view on semantics, Ken-Maduako  argued that it is a branch of linguistics that is concerned with the scientific study of the meaning of words in a natural language, but lacks an in-depth expression of the meaning, while the pragmatic is the practical aspect of meaning and considers the engagement of context in meaning, interpretation or ultilisation of human language in social interactions.
She explained that humans and natural signs have different connotations such as “yawning”, which could mean sign of tiredness or hunger and “don’t be silly,” which could mean an advice to a child or close friend and an insult to an elder or distant person.
She revealed that literal semantic theory cannot adequately provide interpretation to the meaning of expressions in any natural language, while Multimodal Critical Pragmatics Theory and Multimodal as a multi-functional model for analysing meaning in all natural language.
On the topic: ‘Meaning And The Linguist’, the Inaugural Lecturer, Ken-Maduako stated that words have been used differently to mean different things.
She cited a scenario where the Bible says: “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you… Matthew 5:30 also in another scenario where drivers are held up in heavy traffic and they are looking for any possible opening to pass through, saying that words you hearing from them are: “ Madam, Oga, cut your hand to the left;” Oga na trailer you dey drive? ; Madam you no go cut your hand comot there or go your right? Which kind wahala be dis?; Abeg cut your hand comot there make I pass, concluding by asking if all the instances of the use of words above really mean to literally cut off one’s hand? No, but conceptually, the word cut, meant to leave the place, adding that in the above contexts, “cut” must have another connotative meaning different from it’s conceptual meaning,” The Prof added.
She conclude that the notion of meaning has been explored different levels, fields and contexts.
The multifarious nature of meaning highlighted immensely revealing how exceptionally ill-assorted it can be, emphasising that human language and the experiences of humans are so complex and multifaceted that a literal semantic theory cannot adequately provide interpretations to the meaning of expressions in any natural language.
The inaugural lecture thus proposed that the Multimodal Critical Pragmatics (MCP) Theory and Multimodal CPrag3SD as a multi-functional model for analysing meaning in all natural languages.
“This model has also been used in this Inaugural Lecture to foreground it’s efficacy in analysing language because it’s squeezes out the tiniest juice from the expressions under study.
She implored linguists as well as language users world wide to explore the multifunctionalism of MCP in their upcoming research and analysis of oral and written language.
“If you say this is the meaning of this, you may not be completely correct because in that context that may be the meaning of that word, but if you take it out if that context and put it  to another context, you will see that it might mean something entirely different to you.
“If I say you are a fool for doing that, I am simply telling you that you have done something wrong, so in this context, it can be seen as counsel. The Speech Acts might not be to accuse you, it might be to counsel you, to open your eyes to what you have to see may be you should have done something different.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Vice Chancellor, I AUE, Prof Okey Onuchuku described academic research as relevant tool that profers solutions to problems for a better solution as well as promote innovation fir a better society.
Prof. Onuchuku commended the inaugural lecturer, Prof Ibiere Ken-Maduako for sharing her professional experience on the topic, adding that  the lecture will go a long way to better the society.
“ Professor Ken-Maduako has fully presented her work with in-depth analysis of the word meaning, remarking many now have a better understanding on Semantics, Pragmatics as well as the models to be used in analysing word meaning.”
Onuchuku added that knowledge gained from the lecture will go a long way to solve problems as well create space for further research, while enjoining the university Don not to relent in her academic research so as to engender a better society.
“Inagural lecture is what actually brings out a lecturer to explain what he/she has been professing and as witnessed today, the Inaugural lecturer has really explained what she has been professing over the years. If you check out on the reference aspect of her book presentation, you will see that there are several publications that she has done and most of her speeches were drawn from there.
“She is an example of a scholar that is serious, that knows what she is doing as she excellently delivered the Inaugural lecture today.

By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana