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Article published In: Journal of Language Aggression and Conflict: Online-First Articles

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Semantic conflict in online discussions

Negotiating the meaning of lying

ORCiD logo with link | University of Gothenburg, Sweden
ORCiD logo with link | University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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Available under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 license.

For any use beyond this license, please contact the publisher at rights@benjamins.nl.

Open Access publication of this article was funded through a Transformative Agreement with University of Gothenburg.

Published online: 15 May 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/jlac.00133.myr
Abstract
This article presents a study on the negotiation of word meaning in the context of semantic conflict. Focusing on online discussions about whether it is acceptable to deceive children about the existence of Santa Claus, we analyse the linguistic dynamics observed in an online Swedish discussion forum. We explore how participants negotiate the meaning and appropriateness of the word ljuga (‘lying’). Our findings reveal that positioning oneself in relation to the contested word is central to the negotiation process, as participants use meta-linguistic objections and comments for negotiating word meanings, employing strategies of contrasting, explicating, and implying. Key constructions used include “x-and-x” to disqualify associated meanings, and “x-is-x” to assert inherent meanings. This research provides insights into the mechanics of semantic negotiation, demonstrating how participants manage disagreement and conflict through language in online interactions. We also show how word meaning negotiations can be used to map out the meaning potential of the negotiated word, in this case ‘lying’.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Dialogical theory and interactional semantics
  • 3.Online interaction, conflict and disagreement
  • 4.Method and data
  • 5.Analytical findings
    • 5.1Initiating word meaning negotiation
    • 5.2Contrasting meaning
    • 5.3Explicating aspects of meaning
    • 5.4Implying aspects of meaning
    • 5.5Cancelling or disqualifying aspects of meaning
    • 5.6Mapping the meaning potential of “lying”
  • 6.Discussion and concluding remarks
  • Notes
  • References
References (58)
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