Semantic Dissociation

Semantics is the study of meaning—how words, symbols, and concepts connect to what they represent. When you think of a "phone," certain core characteristics come to mind. You understand that a phone is a device used for communication, primarily for calling. You might also know that phones can be used for other forms of communication, such as text messaging, video calls, and more. This knowledge about the function and purpose of a phone, along with its general form, is part of your semantic understanding of the concept of "phone".

Semantic dissociation occurs when the normally tight connection between a concept and its meaning is disrupted. This disruption can manifest in various ways. For instance, an individual might see a phone and even be able to use it correctly (dialing a number, sending a text) demonstrating that their procedural memory and motor skills are intact. However, they might be completely unable to identify the object as a "phone," even when they have a working understanding of what a phone is. The object has a definition and form of a "phone" it is no longer conceptualized as one.

The same is true in reverse where a person can no longer define what a "phone" is. The word and concept of a "phone" are left without definition and form in their mind. The word, while perhaps still recognized as a word and can be somewhat conceptualized, becomes disconnected from its associated definition. It's not just that they can't describe the physical appearance of a phone; they lose access to the functional and conceptual knowledge as well. In this case, "phone" has become highly abstracted.

This dissociation can deepen when the meaning itself is altered. For instance, someone might look at a phone and firmly believe it's a dishwasher. This isn't just a mislabeling. Their semantic understanding of the object has shifted. They can see the screen, measure its size, and press buttons on it and will come to the conclusion that the object is a dishwasher based on their understanding of dishwashers.

While this "dishwasher" can still function as a phone, the affected person will not use it as one. To them, the idea of making a call with the "dishwasher" is as absurd as someone suggesting that a real dishwasher could make phone calls. Their semantic framework does not allow them to perceive the object as anything other than a dishwasher, no matter how it behaves or looks.

Under this new semantic definition, they might attempt to use the "dishwasher" as they would any other dishwasher and reinterpret any actions the object makes as that of a dishwasher. However, cognitive dissonance sets in when the "dishwasher" neither functions nor resembles any other dishwasher. Yet, despite this contradiction, their brain persists in perceiving and understanding the object as a dishwasher, reinforcing the belief even when reality suggests otherwise.