Semantics - A Cognitive Account of Linguistic Meaning - Zeki Hamawand
9. Conceptualization
Semantics - A Cognitive Account of Linguistic Meaning - Zeki Hamawand
Zeki Hamawand [+]
University of Kirkuk and University of Sulaimani
Description
Chapter 9 evaluates the effect of conceptualization on the explanation of pairs of linguistic expressions acting as rivals. The aim is to discover the meaning differences between apparently similar linguistic expressions. The chapter is organized as follows. Section 9.1 explores the phenomenon of construal and underlines its significance. Construal refers to the mental ability of a speaker to describe a situation in alternate ways and express them in language by using different linguistic expressions. Section 9.2 weighs two theories of explanation: reference and construal. In the reference theory, meaning equals reference. This theory treats meaning as existing outside the mind. In the construal theory, meaning equals conceptualization. This theory treats meaning as existing in the mind. In both sections, I pursue three steps. First, I establish the essence of the theory. Second, I disclose its axioms and ramifications. Third, I provide examples to demonstrate its application to different areas within language. Section 9.3 gives a summary of the main points of the chapter.