Communicative discursive model and cognitive linguistics. Lecture 8

1.

Communicative discursive
model and cognitive linguistics

2.

Lecture 8
• Problem Questions:
1) What is a domain?
2) Basic, image-schematic, and abstract domains
3) Distinctions between basic domains and image schemas
4) Other characteristics of domains

3.

What is a domain?
• According to R. Langacker, domains are "cognitive unities: mental
experience, representational spaces, concepts or conceptual
complexes" [Langacker, 1987: 147].
• R. Langaker's domain theory (as well as Fillmore's frame theory) is
based on the understanding that meaning is encyclopedic in nature and
concepts cannot be understood independently of larger knowledge
structures. Langacker calls these knowledge structures domains.
• The only prerequisite for recognizing a knowledge structure as a
domain is that it provides background information on the basis of
which lexical concepts can be understood and used in the language.
For instance, expressions like hot, cold and warm designate lexical
concepts in the domain of TEMPERATURE.

4.

Domain theory adds four complementary aspects
to the theory of frame semantics of Fillmore
1. Domain Matrix:
-
Langacker extends Fillmore’s concept by proposing that a single lexical concept is
typically structured by multiple domains, termed the domain matrix. This matrix
reflects our common knowledge, as seen in the example of "birds," which involves
various domains like SPACE, PHYSICAL OBJECTS, LIFE, and TIME.
2. Basic vs. Abstract Domains:
-
The theory distinguishes between basic domains that are directly tied to our embodied
experience (like SPACE and TIME) and more abstract domains (such as MARRIAGE
or LOVE), which are derived from these experiences but are more complex.
Langacker's approach encompasses both basic and abstract domains, whereas
Fillmore’s work primarily addresses the abstract domains.

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3. Hierarchical Organization of Domains:
Domains are hierarchically organized in Langacker’s model.
A lexical concept may presuppose a more basic domain and
simultaneously act as a subdomain for a more complex concept.
This hierarchical structure mirrors meronymic (part-whole)
relationships, as illustrated with “KNUCKLE" being
understood in relation to "ARM," and "ARM" in relation to "BODY.“
4. Conceptual Ontology vs. Grammatical Behavior:
Fillmore's Frame Semantics is geared towards explaining
grammatical behaviors like valence relations, while Langacker’s
theory of domains is more focused on conceptual ontology—
the structure and organization of knowledge and how concepts
interrelate and are understood in terms of each other.
The hierarchy of domain complexity for the lexical concept KNUCKLE

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What is basic domain?

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Basic domains, in the context of cognitive linguistics and
semantics, are the most fundamental and
concrete
conceptual domains that underlie human experience.
They are rooted in sensory and bodily experiences,
making them universally understood because they draw upon
our direct interactions with the physical world.
Basic domains provide the foundation for understanding
more abstract and complex concepts.

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Some examples of basic domains:
1. Space: The basic domain of space includes concepts such as "up," "down,"
"in," "out," "near," and "far." These spatial relationships are fundamental to our
physical experiences and are used to structure our understanding of space and
location.
2.Time: Time is a fundamental basic domain that includes concepts like "past,"
"present," and "future." These temporal relationships are essential for our
understanding of events and the sequencing of actions.
3. Body: The body is a central basic domain, and concepts like "head,"
"heart," "hand," and "foot" are rooted in our sensory experiences of our
own bodies. They form the basis for various metaphors and expressions in
language.

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4. Quantity: Quantity is a basic domain that involves the understanding
of concepts like "more," "less," "big," "small," and "equal." These concepts
are fundamental for our understanding of numerosity and comparison.
5. Perception: Sensory experiences, including concepts like "see," "hear,"
"smell," "taste," and "touch," are part of the basic domain
of
perception.
These experiences shape our understanding of the world around us.
6. Motion: The basic domain of motion includes concepts like "move,"
"stop," "go," "come," and "change." These concepts are fundamental
describing physical actions and changes in position.
for

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7. Container: The concept of a "container" is a basic domain that
includes understanding "inside," "outside," "contain," and "fill."
is
essential
for
understanding
It
containment relationships and
boundaries.
8. Part-Whole: The basic domain of part-whole relationships includes
concepts like "part," "whole," "piece," and "portion." It is crucial for
understanding the composition of objects and entities.

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These basic domains are not limited to the examples provided but encompass
wide
range of
fundamental
a
human experiences. They serve as the building blocks
for more abstract and complex concepts in language and thought.
In cognitive linguistics, the understanding of basic domains and how they
are
metaphorically extended to represent abstract ideas is a key area of study.
The term "basic domain" is not a standard concept in linguistics or cognitive
science. It is possible that you are referring to the concept of "basic-level categories" or
"basic-level concepts."
These terms are used in the study of categorization and conceptual hierarchy,
which are important in cognitive science and linguistics.

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-
Basic-level categories or concepts refer to the intermediate level of
specificity in a hierarchical categorization of objects or concepts.
Some examples of basic-level categories:
-
-
-
Animal: "Dog" is an example of a basic-level category. It's more specific
than the superordinate category "Animal" but less specific than the
subordinate category "Dachshund.“
Fruit: "Apple" is a basic-level category in the domain of fruits. It's a more
specific category than "Food" and less specific than "Red Delicious
Apple."
Vehicle: "Bicycle" is a basic-level category when discussing modes of
transportation. It's more specific than "Transportation" and less specific
than "Mountain Bike."

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What is image-schematic domain?

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• In cognitive linguistics, an "image-schematic domain"
refers to an intermediate-level conceptual structure that
abstracts patterns of spatial and sensory experiences from
basic domains. Image-schemas are dynamic, recurring
patterns that humans use to structure their understanding of
more abstract concepts.
• These image-schemas provide a bridge between basic
sensory experiences and highly abstract or complex ideas.
They often involve spatial or sensory relationships and are
fundamental for conceptualization and language.

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Some examples of image-schemas:
1. CONTAINER: The CONTAINER image-schema represents the idea of containment and
enclosure. It involves concepts like "inside," "outside," "filling," and "emptying." For
example, the concept of a "house" is related to the CONTAINER image-schema, with the
"interior" of the house and the "exterior."
2. PATH: The PATH image-schema captures the idea of movement and direction. It includes
concepts like "going from one place to another," "pathway," "arrival," and "departure." For
instance, when you say, "He walked from the park to the store," the PATH image-schema is at
play.
3. FORCE: The FORCE image-schema involves concepts related to exerting and resisting
force. It encompasses ideas like "pushing," "pulling," "resistance," and "overcoming
obstacles." When you say, "She pushed the heavy door open," the FORCE image-schema is
invoked.

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4. UP-DOWN:
spatial
The
relationships.
It
UP-DOWN image-schema
represents
vertical
includes concepts like "above," "below," "ascend," and
"descend." For example, the concept of "success" is often associated with "up," while
"failure" is associated with "down," reflecting the UP-DOWN image-schema.
5. SOURCE-PATH-GOAL: This image-schema captures the idea of a starting point
(SOURCE), a path or trajectory (PATH), and an endpoint or destination (GOAL). It is
fundamental in describing journeys, stories, and progress.
6. PART-WHOLE: Although it can be considered a basic domain, the PART-WHOLE imageschema represents relationships between parts and wholes, such as "part," "whole," and
"portion." It's intermediate between basic sensory experiences and more abstract ideas.

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• Image-schemas play a crucial role in human cognition and
language. They provide a bridge between concrete experiences and
abstract concepts, making it easier for us to conceptualize and
communicate ideas that are not directly tied to our sensory
experiences.
• These abstract concepts often involve metaphorical extensions of
image-schemas, allowing us to talk about complex, non-spatial notions
in terms of spatial and sensory experiences.

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What is abstract domain?

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• In cognitive linguistics and semantics, an "abstract domain"
refers to a level of conceptualization that is more complex and
removed from sensory experience compared to basic and imageschematic domains.
• Abstract domains involve highly abstract and often culturally
dependent concepts that are not rooted in direct sensory experiences.
They are more challenging to understand and represent because they
are far removed from concrete, tangible experiences.

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Some examples of abstract domains:
1. Justice: The concept of justice is highly abstract and varies across cultures. It
involves notions of fairness, ethics, and the proper administration of law.
Justice is not something that can be directly perceived with the senses but is
a complex societal and moral construct.
2.Freedom: Freedom is an abstract concept that refers to the state of being free
from external control or constraints. It includes ideas of autonomy, liberty, and
the absence of oppression. It is not something that can be seen, touched, or heard
but is a fundamental human value.
3. Love: Love is an abstract and multifaceted concept that encompasses a
range of emotional and relational experiences. It is not directly tied to sensory
experiences but is a central aspect of human life and emotions.

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4. Democracy: Democracy is an abstract political concept that
involves governance by the people, the rule of law, and principles of
equality and representation. It is not something that can be
observed directly but is a complex system of government.
5. Happiness: Happiness is an abstract emotional state that involves
feelings of contentment, joy, and well-being. It is a psychological
state that is not directly perceivable but it is a fundamental aspect of
human experience.
6. Truth: Truth is an abstract concept that relates to the state of
being in accordance with fact or reality. It involves notions of
accuracy, honesty, and integrity. Truth is not something that can be
seen or touched but is a foundational principle in knowledge and
communication.

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• Abstract domains are often conveyed through metaphorical
language and expressions that draw on more concrete and
image-schematic domains. For example, the concept of "love" may
be metaphorically expressed as "falling in love," which uses a spatial
metaphor to convey the emotional experience of love.
• Understanding
how
abstract
concepts
are
metaphorically
grounded in more concrete domains is a key aspect of cognitive
linguistics and the study of semantics.

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Distinctions between basic domains and image schemas
Basic domain
Image schema
Occupies lowest position in the hierarchy
of complexity, e.g. SPACE, TIME,
TEMPERATURE
Need not occupy lowest position in the
hierarchy of complexity, e.g. UP-DOWN,
FRONT-BACK, CONTAINMENT, PATH
Need not occur in a wide range of domain
matrices, e.g. TEMPERATURE,
COLOUR
Occurs in the widest range of domain
matrices, e.g. SCALE, PROCESS,
OBJECT, CONTAINMENT
Derived from subjective experience, e.g
Derived from sensory-perceptual
TIME, EMOTION, or sensory-perceptual experience only, e.g. UP-DOWN,
experience, e.g. SPACE, TEMPERATURE FRONT-BACK, CONTAINMENT,
SURFACE

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Other characteristics of domains
• Dimensional
• Locational
• Configurational
Domains are dynamic and not fixed. They can evolve as our experiences and
societal practices change. This dynamism allows for the development of new
metaphors and conceptualizations.
Domains are also inherently cultural; different cultural backgrounds can
influence how a domain is structured and understood.

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Dimensional domains
• The dimensional domain in cognitive linguistics refers to the
conceptualization of entities in terms of their dimensions, such as size, length,
width, and height. It involves how we perceive and categorize objects based on
their physical dimensions and how these dimensions are linguistically
expressed.
• TIME, TEMPERATURE, and PITCH are organized linearly, making them onedimensional. They are structured as sequences or scales.
• SPACE can be two-dimensional, like a drawing on a page, or threedimensional, like a physical object in the real world.
• COLOUR involves three dimensions: brightness, hue, and saturation, which
correspond to distinct neuro-perceptual mechanisms in our visual perception.

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Locational domains
• The locational domain, within the framework of cognitive linguistics,
pertains to the conceptualization of spatial relationships, particularly the
relative positions of entities in space. It encompasses notions such as
proximity, containment, support, and paths.
• An example of the locational domain is the use of spatial prepositions like
"in," "on," and "under" in English. These prepositions indicate the
spatial relationship between two entities. For instance, in the sentence
"The book is on the table," the locational domain is evoked to understand
that the book is positioned with its upper surface in contact with the
table's surface.

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Configurational domains
The configurational domain, in cognitive linguistics, involves the spatial
arrangement and configuration of objects or entities. It includes their shapes,
sizes, and relative positions. This domain is important for understanding how
we perceive and categorize objects based on their spatial configuration.
For instance, we might say a table is rectangular, a ball is round, or a door is tall
and narrow. These descriptions involve understanding the configuration or
shape of the object in relation to other objects or in isolation.
Another example is how we describe the relative positions of objects using
terms like "next to," "behind," or "in front of." These terms reflect our
understanding of the spatial configuration of objects in relation to each other.

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Conclusion
• Domain theory in cognitive linguistics is particularly influential in the study of
metaphor and metonymy. It helps explain how we can understand a phrase like
"The White House stated today..." by recognizing that "The White House" (a
building) is being used metonymically to refer to the people who work within it,
and that we are applying our knowledge of how humans communicate to
understand this phrase, even though it literally describes a building speaking.
• By analyzing language and thought through the lens of domain theory, cognitive
linguists aim to uncover the underlying structures of cognition that shape the way
we use language and the way we understand the world around us.

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References
1. Clausner T. C. Domains and image schemas / T.C. Clausner, W. Croft //
Cognitive Linguistics. – 1999. – No 10/1. – P. 1 – 31.
2. Evans V. Cognitive linguistics: An Introduction / М. Evans, M. Green. –
Edinburgh : Edinburgh University Press, 2006. – ХХVI, 830 p.
3. Fillmore Ch. The case for case // Universals in linguistic theory / Ch.
Fillmore. – New York, 1968. – P. 1 – 88.