Implied narratives of medical practice in learning-for-doing texts: a simulation semantics approach to rhetorical analysis

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd Oakley
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Linguistics ◽  
Rhetorical Analysis ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Linguistic Meaning ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Semantic Approach ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Print Advertisements ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Simulation Semantics

The functional interdependence of word, image, narration, and reason is recognized as a fundamental condition of modern-day persuasion, yet a substantial gap still exists in our understanding of how static textual elements interact to generate dynamic, persuasive narratives. This article attempts to narrow that gap in understanding through the development of a simulation semantics approach to rhetorical analysis as applied to print advertisements in medical journals. Located within the broader field of cognitive linguistics, simulation semantics is a theory of linguistic meaning based on the hypothesis that language users run mental simulations of perceptual and motor content of experiences which distribute inferences from these simulations during language comprehension and production. Using the perspectives and methods of conceptual blending, a programmatic model of meaning construction developed by Fauconnier and Turner (2002) and elaborated by many associates (e.g. Brandt and Brandt, 2002; Coulson and Oakley, 2000), the article attempts to show how a simulation semantic approach can lead to cognitively plausible explanations of how persuasion works in a genre of print advertisements aimed at physicians and medical practitioners I call learning-for-doing. In addition, I seek to further refine conceptual blending theory as an interpretive framework by arguing for the need to incorporate the notion of a grounding space as well as the need to distinguish between conceptual blending and conceptual integration.

scholarly journals A conceptual blending analysis of a metaphorical advertisement: applications in elt

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 299
Author(s):  
Elisa Mattos de Sá
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Linguistics ◽  
English Language ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Cognitive Operations ◽  
Print Advertisement

Advances in Cognitive Linguistics have focused on the centrality of meaning and conceptual structure in human language (Evans & Green, 2006; Geeraerts, 2006), placing phenomena such as metaphor as central to human cognition (Lakoff, 2006; Lakoff & Johnson, 1980). This paper analyzes the process of meaning construction of a metaphorical print advertisement in which cognitive operations of conceptual integration (cf. Fauconnier & Turner, 2002) can be mapped through the interplay between verbal and nonverbal language. Seeing that adverts can provide learners with real-life communicative opportunities for language development due to theirup-to-date language, cultural-bound content, and creative discourse techniques (Mishan, 2005; Picken, 2000; 1999), this paper additionally provides four pedagogical applications of the chosen advertisement in English Language Teaching, drawing on the principles of the theoreticalframework presented.

scholarly journals Conceptual integration theory and British humour: an analysis of the sitcom Miranda

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Jabłońska-Hood
Keyword(s):  
Language Use ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Integration Theory ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Mental Space ◽  
Mental Spaces ◽  
Emergent Structure ◽  
Conceptual Integration Theory ◽  
Different Levels

Conceptual integration theory (henceforth CIT), aka conceptual blending, was devised by Fauconnier and Turner (2002) as a model for meaning construction and interpretation. It is based on the notion of a mental space, which originated in Fauconnier's early research (1998). Mental spaces are structures that constitute information pertaining to a particular concept (Fauconnier and Turner 2002: 40). Interestingly, mental spaces can be linked together and blended so as to produce a novel quality not previously present. In this manner, conceptual integration serves the purpose of a theoretical model which throws light on creativity in language use. In my paper, I will apply CIT to British humour in order to use its multiway blending together with its dynamic, online running of the blended contents for the purpose of comedy elucidation. It is crucial to observe that British humour is a complex phenomenon which pertains to many different levels of interpretation, i.e. a linguistic, cultural or a discourse one. CIT possesses a well suited cognitive apparatus which can encompass the complexity of British humour with all its layers. The primary goal of the article is to analyse a selected scene from a sitcom entitled Miranda in order to show the validity of the theory in respect of humour studies. In particular, I will undertake to demonstrate that CIT, with a special emphasis on its principles such as compression and the emergent structure of the blend can deal with many processes that accumulate within British humour and result in laughter. Simultaneously, I will try to demonstrate that frame-shifting, as proposed by Coulson (2015: pp. 167-190), can be of help to CIT in humour explanation.

A COGNITIVE THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF CONCEPTUALIZING HINDI SARCASM

2020 ◽  
pp. 77-91
Author(s):  
Kumar Sharma Sandeep ◽  
◽  
Sinha Sweta ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Special Reference ◽  
Theoretical Investigation ◽  
Cognitive Linguistics ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Conceptual Metaphor ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Computational Studies ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
The Relationship

Several influential theories have been developed in cognitive linguistics to investigate the relationship between language and mind. Conceptual metaphor and conceptual blending, two distinct but closely related theories play a significant role in the process of meaning construction especially in metaphors and other figurative linguistic tools. Metaphors are pervasively used in everyday conversation in the form of irony, satire and sarcasm, etc. where sarcasm projects profoundly negative intention. Hence, the present research studies the process of conceptualization of sarcasm and its functions with special reference to the Hindi language within the framework of conceptual metaphor and conceptual blending theories. The study is an attempt to bridge the gap between computational studies of sarcasm and the theories underlying the phenomenon of perceiving sarcasm. The findings aim to provide a theoretical understanding of how Hindi sarcasm is perceived among native speakers.

scholarly journals Conceptual Blending, the Second Naïveté, and the Emergence of New Meanings

Open Theology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-45
Author(s):  
Jason P. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Linguistics ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Image Of God ◽  
Integration Theory ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
God Concept ◽  
New Meanings ◽  
Conceptual Integration Theory ◽  
The Image Of God

Abstract The field of cognitive linguistics has generated a powerful set of theoretical tools for analyzing the ways in which we understand, communicate, and create concepts. In the conceptual integration theory of Gilles Fauconnier and Mark Turner, the cognitive process known as double-scope blending provides a highdefinition model for the phenomenological hermeneutics of Paul Ricoeur. In particular, Ricoeur’s notion of developing a second naivete through the blending of ancient and contemporary worlds of meanings can be viewed as the double-scope integration of concepts across disparate conceptual frames. This re-modeling of Ricoeur’s hermeneutics gives it a new level of clarity and precision in cognitive scientific terms, which in turn may be utilized in service of theological and other forms of discourse. Conceptual integration theory also sheds light on other Ricoeur-inspired hermeneutical models and makes a case for the revelatory character of scripture through the meaning-making process of interpretation. The interpretation of the image of God concept in an evolutionary worldview serves as a heuristic example of second naivete as double-scope blending.

scholarly journals #ForgiveUsForWeHaveSinned: Conceptual integration theory and political Internet humour

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Nihada Delibegovic Dzanic ◽  
Sanja Berberovic
Keyword(s):  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Political Discourse ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Linguistic Theory ◽  
Integration Theory ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Cognitive Mechanism ◽  
Construction Of Meaning ◽  
Conceptual Integration Theory

The aim of the paper is to uncover the extent to which different forms of political Internet humour can criticise current political affairs in a developing democracy such as Bosnia and Herzegovina. Specifically, applying a cognitive linguistic theory of meaning construction, namely conceptual integration theory, the paper analyses the construction of meaning of humorous Internet forms, such as memes, demotivational posters, hashtag posts, and memetic photographs, representing innovative ways of providing political commentaries on current political affairs. The meaning of political humour is constructed in conceptual blending as a basic cognitive mechanism. As it is claimed (Coulson & Pascual 2006, Coulson & Oakley 2006, Coulson 2006, Oakley & Coulson 2008) that blending can be used as a rhetorical tool influencing the audience to change the reality and even act upon it, the analysis of the construction of meaning of political humour as products of conceptual integration can reveal hidden ideologies in political discourse.

scholarly journals The role of conceptual integration and simple dynamic scenarios in the meaning construction of the mapping in mathematics

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Woźny
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Metaphor ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Formal Definition ◽  
Mathematics Textbooks ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
The World ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

The role of conceptual integration and simple dynamic scenarios in the meaning construction of the mapping in mathematicsOver the last two decades the impact of conceptual metaphor and conceptual blending on mathematics has been extensively researched (Lakoff & Núñez, 2000; Fauconnier & Turner, 2002; Turner, 2005; Núñez, 2006; Alexander, 2011; Turner, 2012; Danesi, 2016; Woźny, 2018). This paper examines the manner in which simple dynamic scenarios allow, through the process of conceptual integration, for multiple ways of constructing the meaning of a mathematical mapping. The paper analyses selected fragments extracted from two popular academic mathematics textbooks to ascertain how the authors use a number of simple dynamic scenarios to explain the concept. The paper then demonstrates how these dynamic scenarios help to avoid the problem of circularity of the (static) formal definition of the mapping. The results of the study indicate that conceptual blending may account for the flexibility of mathematics and its effectiveness in modelling the world around us. Rola integracji pojęciowej i prostych scenariuszy dynamicznych w konstrukcji znaczenia odwzorowania w matematyceW ciągu ostatnich dwudziestu lat pojawiło się wiele publikacji dotyczących roli metafor oraz integracji pojęciowej w matematyce (Lakoff & Núñez, 2000; Fauconnier & Turner, 2002; Turner, 2005; Núñez, 2006; Alexander, 2011; Turner, 2012; Danesi, 2016; Woźny, 2018). W tym artykule badany jest sposób, w jaki proste scenariusze dynamiczne wpływają, poprzez proces integracji pojęciowej, na konstruowanie wielu znaczeń odwzorowania (funkcji) w matematyce. Badane są fragmenty dwóch popularnych podręczników matematyki, w których autorzy wyjaśniają pojęcie odwzorowania poprzez proste scenariusze dynamiczne, unikając w ten sposób błędu logicznego „nieznane przez nieznane", którym obarczona jest statyczna definicja odwzorowania. Wyniki analizy mogą sugerować, że elastyczność matematyki – jej niezmienna skuteczność w modelowaniu otaczającego nas świata – jest efektem procesów integracji pojęciowej.

Embedded blends and meaning construction in Modest Musorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-56
Author(s):  
Costas Tsougras ◽  
Danae Stefanou
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Musical Structure ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Cross Domain ◽  
Pictures At An Exhibition ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Domain Integration

Conceptual blending is a cognitive theory positing the combination of diverse conceptual spaces for the creation of novel blended spaces. Musical conceptual blending can be intra-musical, pertaining to the combination of diverse structural elements for the creation of new melodies, harmonies or textures, as well as cross-domain, involving the integration of musical and non-musical spaces for the creation of novel analogies or metaphors. This article presents a structural and hermeneutical analysis of “Il vecchio castello” and “Samuel Goldenberg und Schmuÿle” from Modest Musorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition in an attempt to disclose both the intra-musical (combination of modal, tonal or coloristic harmonic spaces and rhythmic/textural structure) and extra-musical (contextual, symbolic and programmatic aspects) conceptual blending that the works incorporate. The reductional/prolongational analyses provide input for two distinct Conceptual Integration Networks, the first describing the intra-musical blending of melodic harmonization and the second proposing the cross-domain blending of the musical and pictorial input spaces into a blended hermeneutical space that projects the works’ narrative/programmatic/emotional potential. The proposed analyses show how musical structure promotes creative listening and meaning construction through complex cross-domain integration. This research suggests that conceptual blending theory as an analytical tool can promote a richer structural interpretation and experience of music, even in cases of instrumental, non-vocal compositions.

scholarly journals “I know not […] what I myself am”: Conceptual Integration in Susan Heyboer O’Keefe’s ”Frankenstein’s Monster” (2010)

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Sławomir Kowalczyk
Keyword(s):  
Active Participation ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Philosophical Concept ◽  
Great Chain Of Being ◽  
Mental Spaces

<p>The article proposes a cognitive-poetic reading of Susan Heyboer O’Keefe’s novel <em>Frankenstein’s Monster </em>(2010) – a modern rendition of the myth of Victor Frankenstein and his Creature – with regard to the theory of conceptual integration proposed by G. Fauconnier and M. Turner (2002). It is argued that the reader’s conceptualization of the eponymous Monster emerges in the proces of conceptual blending, where several input mental spaces, constructed around elements of the philosophical concept of the Great Chain of Being, are merged to produce a novel entity. Thus, the reader’s active participation in meaning construction allows her/him to redefine her/his perception of monstrosity.</p>

scholarly journals COMPARATIVE SEMANTICS: AN INTRODUCTION TO CONCEPTUAL BLENDING THEORY

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (14) ◽  
pp. 28-51
Author(s):  
Khairulanwar Abdul Ghani
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Model ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Fundamental Question ◽  
Linguistic Meaning ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Linguistic Research ◽  
Meaning Creation ◽  
Current Scenario

Conceptual Blending Theory (Fauconnier & Turner, 2002) aims to provide a general cognitive model related to meaning construction. This theory was created based on the fundamental question raised by contemporary linguists about how a new concept is formed based on the human cognition system. According to Fauconnier, the theory encompasses all domains of meaning creation, whether involving language domains (metaphors, advertisements, and satire) or the use of gestures to convey non -linguistic meaning, such as the way people line up to get tickets at the cinema or certain symbolism in communication. If we can see at the current scenario in linguistic research, this theory has attracted wide attention in various fields of research, from the study of discourse analysis by Oakley (2008), the study of Haiku by Hiraga (1999) to the study of ritual by Sweetser (2000). Due to its holistic nature, it is not surprising that this theory has been heavily criticized by some linguists from the structural school (Broccias, 2004; Gibbs, 2000), and not least there are some Vygotsky scholars (scholars that influenced by Vygotsky thought) who doubted the ability of this theory. Therefore, this paper is written to (i) provide an overview of the proposed theory; (ii) display some analysis of non-linguistic domains based on conceptual blending perspective; and lastly (iii) some counter respond to a previous criticism about this theory.

scholarly journals Discourse-Driven Meaning Construction in Neosemantic Noun-to-Verb Conversions [Meaning Construction In Noun-To-Verb Conversions]

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafał Augustyn
Keyword(s):  
Present Article ◽  
Cognitive Linguistics ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Conversion Process ◽  
Integration Theory ◽  
Field Of Study ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Discourse Context ◽  
Cognitive Motivation ◽  
Conceptual Integration Theory

Neosemantic noun-to-verb conversions such as beer → to beer, door → to door, pink → to pink, etc., constitute a particularly interesting field of study for Cognitive Linguistics in that they call for a discourse-guided and context-based analysis of meaning construction. The present article takes a closer look at the cognitive motivation for the conversion process involved in the noun-verb alterations with a view to explaining the semantics of some conversion formations in relation to the user-centred discourse context. The analysis developed in this article draws from the combined insights of Fauconnier and Turner’s (2002) Conceptual Integration Theory and Langacker’s (2005, 2008) Current Discourse Space.

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