Final answer:
Words have semantic restrictions because each word has specific meanings and attributes that determine how it can be used in sentences. Semantics is crucial in deriving meaning from language and is influenced by culture and grammar, which include both lexicon and contextual rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Words have semantic restrictions on how they can be used in sentences because every word has required attributes related to meaning. This is due to semantics, the process by which we derive meaning from morphemes and words. For example, the word 'bark' when used as a noun refers to the outer covering of a tree, but as a verb, it represents the sound a dog makes. Semantics plays a crucial role in language as it helps us comprehend and produce meaningful communication.
Cultural aspects also influence semantics. Different cultures have specific words or expressions unique to their language, which reflects how they interpret reality. For instance, the concept of luck differs across cultures, as seen in the different unlucky connotations of the number thirteen in the US and four in Japan. This connection between language, culture, and meaning is rooted in the ideas of linguists Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf.
In addition to semantics, grammar and syntax are essential components of a language's structure. Grammar includes the lexicon, which is the vocabulary of a language, and set rules for constructing sentences. Semantics and syntax are intertwined to form coherent and meaningful sentences, taking into account the contextual rules that may vary by region and culture, affecting how words are understood and used.