Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

HERE, NEAR, FAR: Spatial conceptualisation and cognition in a cross-linguistic perspective (English vs. Russian)

Anna Gladkova

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterResearch

    Abstract

    This chapter explores variation and similarities in the conceptualisation of space in Russian and English on the basis of selected terms of 'location' and 'proximity/distance. It adopts the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) approach, which identifies eight semantic universals of space, three of which, HERE, NEAR, FAR, were tested for their realisation in both languages. A semantic analysis of terms denoting 'here, 'near', 'not far, and 'far' confirms the presence of the three universal primes in English and Russian, though they differ in how they conceptually carve up the notion of space. The study has implications for research into bilingualism and language acquisition and demonstrates that the NSM formulae can be used experimentally to test spatial conceptualisation and cognition cross-linguistically.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationMultilingual Cognition and Language Use: Processing and typological perspectives
    EditorsLuna Filipovic, Martin Putz
    Place of PublicationAmsterdam, Netherlands
    PublisherJohn Benjamins Publishing Company
    Pages121-150
    Volume44
    Edition1
    ISBN (Print)9789027223982
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 31 Dec 2014

    Publication series

    NameHuman Cognitive Processing
    ISSN (Electronic)1387-6724

    Keywords

    • Central and Eastern European Languages (incl Russian)
    • Linguistic Structures (incl Grammar, Phonology, Lexicon, Semantics)
    • Language in Culture and Society (Sociolinguistics)

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'HERE, NEAR, FAR: Spatial conceptualisation and cognition in a cross-linguistic perspective (English vs. Russian)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this