In many languages there are words that have the same sense but are different words, these are called synonyms. In different Spanish-speaking countries, there are many different synonyms for specific words. Although they are synonyms in the same language each variety of the word is dependent on the country or region you are in or from. Since these synonyms are dependent on the country or region some people from certain countries may not understand or be familiar with your term, but sometimes some words may have a “general term” for words. Although not all synonyms have a “general term” there are some synonyms that some countries may share or be familiar with because they have been exposed to it. The words I will be focusing on is drinking straw (sorbete, bombilla, popote, or sorbente), corn (maiz, choclo, elote or jojote), cake (pastel, torta, or bizcocho), and clothing hanger (percha, gancho). I will be asking spanish speakers what they would call these items and if they are familiar with the other translations. In addition, ask them if they would ever use the other varieties in any circumstances. Also, I will also be finding if there is a general translations for these terms, why some have a general translation and why others dont, and where the different varieties of tranlslations coming from.

During thanksgiving dinners, there are controversial topics that many family members would like to avoid, but there is always someone who has to bring them up (Guest A). Guest A brings up the topic of Abortion and their thoughts on it, which starts to make the rest of the family uncomfortable. Guest B then completely changes the subject and responds the Guest A by bringing up whos going to be hosting Christmas this year. When Guest B changes the subject it violates Grices maxim of relevance because they aren’t continuing the subject of abortion, but completely switching the topic.

For my final paper, I want to focus on synonyms in the Spanish language. First I would explain what a synonym is. Secondly, I would continue by explaining how there are many cultures and Latin countries which many use different words for the same sense, even though everyone is speaking the same language. Although there is sometimes a word that is specific to a country or culture, there is still sometimes a word that is more general and isn’t specific to one country, that everyone will usually know. One of the words that are different but have the same senses are corn, which is generally known as maíz but other cultures and countries call it choclo, elote or jojote. Another is the word drinking straw, which doesn’t have a “general” translation, some may call it absorbente, bombilla, popote, sorbete and many other names. The last word that I can talk about is cake, which the general translation could be referred to as pastel, although some may call it torta or bizcocho. I may also look into more words to research but these are the main ones I can think of as of right now. After introducing all words, I will research which country or culture uses which words, why and if there are times they use the general translation. In addition, I will have a questionnaire asking which translation Spanish speakers are most likely likely to use if they are familiar with all of the other translations, how likely they are to use the other translations, and if they would why would they change their translation.

Simple antonyms: married and single

1. Bob is married
2. Bob is single

Simple antonyms are contradictory. If one is true the other cannot also be true. There is no middle ground between the words married and single

Gradable antonyms: interesting and boring

1. This movie is interesting
2. this movie is boring

Gradable antonyms are intermediate terms. The movie could’ve been interesting, boring, or in neither and it could’ve been just ok to watch.

Reverses: open and close

1. She will open the box
2. She will close the box

These are reverse terms because they are denoting motion and are opposite in directions of each other.

Converses: older and younger

1. Kim is older than me
2. I am younger than Kim

These are a converse pair because there is an asymettric relation between older and younger.

Taxonomic Sisters: Sprite and Ginger ale

1. I like sprite
2. I like Ginger ale

Sprite and ginger ale are taxonomic because they have a hyponymous relationship and are both classified as sodas.