Actualization of Interpretational Potential of a Common Noun with Abstract Semantics (based on an Associative Experiment)

The article proposes the following idea: a word (common noun) is a component of the interpretational activity of the addressee perceiving the lexeme and creating interpretational speech utterance. The language speaker’s association appears as a condensed (potential) interpretational discourse. The results of a free associative experiment are presented. Common nouns with abstract meanings were used as stimuli. Key lexemes were obtained, allowing for the unfolding of a discourse of a common noun with abstract semantics. Using the associative series of lexemes ‘fear’ and ‘pleasure,’ referential areas actualized during the realization of the interpretational potential of the lexeme were described. The analysis of the semantic structure of the mentioned lexemes showed that the obtained associates actualize both direct (dictionary) and indirect (interpretational) meanings of words. A significant portion of the obtained reactions demonstrate meanings not fixed in the dictionary entry. This proves that during interpretation, there is a complication of the semantic structure of a common noun, where the initial (dictionary) meaning is supplemented and enriched with additional components related to personal meanings, values, existential attitudes of the interpreting subject.

associative field, associative experiment, discourse, common noun, interpretational linguistics, text