According to Bruner (1983), syntax, semantics and pragmatics are “the three facets
of language” that children must master in order to become “native speakers.” Bruner
asserts that these three facets cannot be learned independently of one another.
The terms, simply defined, are as follows: 1) Syntax pertains to the rules that govern
language, the order or arrangement of the elements of a language; grammar. 2)
Semantics refers to meaning in language, the signs and symbols of a language; and
3) Pragmatics deals with language in social contexts, and how it affects behavior. I
herein apply these three terms to the process of art making and refer to this adapted
conceptual framework as the Three Facets of Language and Art. This adapted
conceptual framework will aid in the presentation of a systematic review the literature.