Cognition, Cognitive Sciences, Cognitive Linguistics, Cognitive Semantics.

Document Type : The Quarterly Jornal

Author

Senior Researcher, Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy, Qom, Iran

Abstract

In recent decades, findings from cognitive sciences—particularly in neuroscience, psychology, and related disciplines—have led to diverse perspectives on the nature of language and meaning. These developments have opened a new horizon in understanding meaning, offering a fresh perspective on reality. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method to explore cognitive semantics as a novel approach to meaning analysis. It argues that the emergence of contemporary scientific inquiries occurs in contexts where traditional methodologies fail to provide adequate and satisfactory explanations. Since historical context and the developmental trajectory of a concept are among the best means of revealing its essence, this study seeks to deepen the understanding of cognitive semantics by examining its origins and foundational background. The findings indicate that, according to the cognitive approach, language is one of the cognitive functions of the mind. Investigating language can, therefore, provide insights into the workings of the brain, neural circuits involved in language processing, and other cognitive functions of the mind—especially mental mappings inherent in language. As a major branch of cognitive linguistics, cognitive semantics views meaning formation as dependent on mental and cognitive structures, which arise through the conceptualization of external data within the mind rather than outside it. Since these cognitive and mental structures are reflected in language, meaning should be examined within the mechanisms and conceptual content embedded in linguistic structures.

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References

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