Spatial axes in language and conceptualisation
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Krista Ojutkangas
Abstract
Krista Ojutkangas’ paper, “Spatial axes in language and conceptualization: the case of bidirectional constructions,” is a usage-based study of the basic axes in the conceptual partition of space. The focus is on bidirectional constructions in Finnish: on descriptions of spatial relations where both opposing poles of a spatial axis are explicitly mentioned in a single sentence, instances such as ‘the bride and the groom were sitting behind the table and the guests were sitting in front of the table’. Ojutkangas shows that the inherent bipolarity of the basic spatial axes can be utilized as a relatively systematic strategy in spatial conceptualization. It also shows that a conceptualization strategy primarily used in spatial language can have further functions in discourse, in building the narrative, and in reference tracking. The analysis of bidirectional and similar constructions contributes to our knowledge of spatial conceptualization and language generally.
Abstract
Krista Ojutkangas’ paper, “Spatial axes in language and conceptualization: the case of bidirectional constructions,” is a usage-based study of the basic axes in the conceptual partition of space. The focus is on bidirectional constructions in Finnish: on descriptions of spatial relations where both opposing poles of a spatial axis are explicitly mentioned in a single sentence, instances such as ‘the bride and the groom were sitting behind the table and the guests were sitting in front of the table’. Ojutkangas shows that the inherent bipolarity of the basic spatial axes can be utilized as a relatively systematic strategy in spatial conceptualization. It also shows that a conceptualization strategy primarily used in spatial language can have further functions in discourse, in building the narrative, and in reference tracking. The analysis of bidirectional and similar constructions contributes to our knowledge of spatial conceptualization and language generally.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Abbreviations & transcription symbols vii
- Acknowledgements ix
- Introduction 1
- An introduction to Finnish spatial relations 11
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Part I: Space and location
- Spatial axes in language and conceptualisation 21
- “I woke up from the sofa” 41
- Metonymy in locatives of state 67
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Part II: The human perspective
- Body part names and grammaticalization 101
- On distinguishing between ‘recipient’ and ‘beneficiary’ in Finnish 129
- Oblique mentions of human referents in Finnish conversation 153
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Part III: Person
- Person in Finnish 173
- Zero person in Finnish 209
- Passive — personal or impersonal? 233
- References 257
- Index of terms 277
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Abbreviations & transcription symbols vii
- Acknowledgements ix
- Introduction 1
- An introduction to Finnish spatial relations 11
-
Part I: Space and location
- Spatial axes in language and conceptualisation 21
- “I woke up from the sofa” 41
- Metonymy in locatives of state 67
-
Part II: The human perspective
- Body part names and grammaticalization 101
- On distinguishing between ‘recipient’ and ‘beneficiary’ in Finnish 129
- Oblique mentions of human referents in Finnish conversation 153
-
Part III: Person
- Person in Finnish 173
- Zero person in Finnish 209
- Passive — personal or impersonal? 233
- References 257
- Index of terms 277
