meaning or meanings

[jasonlulu_2000]

In English, soft high-frequency sounds such as "s", "f", "th" and "sh" "carry a great deal of meaning, and are very important sounds," Grimes said.

What does the underlined sentence mean?

Does it equal "the high frequency sounds have many meanings.

Thanks

Jason

 

[Jenniferhu]

Could it be understood as having considerable value or significance? Or implying a lot of ideas? It is strange to think that sounds have meanings, isn't it? I wish to know the answer myself. Let's see what teachers here may have to say.

Jenny

 

[5jj]

It comes from an article here.

I am afraid I still don't know what Grimes means by those words. I don't see how a sound can carry a meaning - unless it is itself a word, such as "Sh!"

 

[SoothingDave]

It comes from an article here.

I am afraid I still don't know what Grimes means by those words. I don't see how a sound can carry a meaning - unless it is itself a word, such as "Sh!"

Just a guess, but sounds do build up into words. And lots of the sounds we make we can elide or slur over without really changing the successful delivery of our message.

Maybe he meant that those particular sounds can't be easily elided without losing meaning.

 

[5jj]

Maybe he meant that those particular sounds can't be easily elided without losing meaning.

You may be right, but that's only a guess.

ps. I am not criticising your guess - it's more than I managed. I just feel that if we have to try to guess what a writer means, then the writer has failed in his/her attempt to communicate.