Роль концептуальних метафор у концептуалізації поняття "гріх" в угорській мові

Abstract

Резюме. У статті детально розглянуто процес концептуалізації, показано зв’язок між контекстом мови, мисленням та культурою. Описано основні риси концептуальної теорії метафори і підкреслено її важливу роль у концептуалізації. Згідно з теорією, абстрактні поняття можна зрозуміти за допомогою конкретних понять. Цей процес ілюструється прикладами поняття «гріх». У статті обговорюється, яка когнітивна модель може формуватися у свідомості носіїв угорської мови щодо даного поняття та які конкретні поняття беруть участь у цьому процесі.

Abstract. The study presents a detailed consideration of the conceptualization process, the relationships between language, thinking, and culture. A concept has meaning to us only if we have any experience with it. The conceptualization of a concept, that is, the creation of its meaning, can take place in our minds as a result of various cognitive processes, much of which can be traced back to our physical experiences. All of these contribute to the success of the interpretation of objects/events/concepts in our physical, social, and cultural environment, i.e. the creation of meaning. These cognitive mechanisms, of course, do not function consciously and without them it would be impossible for us to interpret the entities of the world around us. The function of conceptual processes is therefore to help us structure our conceptual system, as well as to expand and change it by interpreting new experiences. Among the cognitive mechanisms, I analyze the conceptual metaphor using the abstract concept of ‘sin’ as an example. ‘Sin’ is a concept that is present in the thinking of all people, permeating our lives regardless of whether a person is religious or not. Yet, if we were to explain what ‘sin’ is, we would most likely have to think a lot to formulate the definition. The concept of ‘sin’ is closely linked to religion. However, the present study does not address the detailed theological interpretation of the definitions postulated by different churches. In this article, I approach the concept from the perspective of cognitive science. The aim of the research is to explore the conceptualization process based on the metaphorical linguistic terms used in the Hungarian Bible; specifically what conceptual metaphors can be discovered in the Hungarian language, and what specific entities (source domains) provide mental access to the abstract concept (target domain). In order to achieve the research goal, the study presents the main features of conceptual metaphor theory and emphasizes its important role in conceptualization. Metaphors are traditionally classified as poetic images, and their interpretation is seen as the task of writers. The function of metaphors is thus to achieve some artistic or rhetorical effect. According to the followers of cognitive linguistic theory, however, the main task of the discipline is to describe the metaphors of natural language, as conceptual metaphor is one of the fundamental tools of the conceptualization process. The study discusses the elements of conceptual metaphors, the basis of metaphors, and the levels of metaphor research. According to one of the main statements of the theory, abstract concepts can be understood with the help of concrete concepts. Metaphorical conceptualization is thus presented in the article on the example of the concept of ‘sin’, listing a number of metaphorical linguistic expressions and the conceptual metaphors behind them. It presents the cognitive model of the mentioned concept in the mind of the Hungarian-speaking individuals, and explains what specific concepts are involved in this process.

Резюме. В статье подробно рассмотрен процесс концептуализации, показана связь между контекстом речи, мышлением и культурой. Описаны основные черты концептуальной теории метафоры, ее важная роль в концептуализации. Согласно теории, абстрактные понятия можно понять с помощью конкретных понятий. Этот процесс иллюстрируется примерами понятия «грех». В статье обсуждается, какая когнитивная модель может формироваться в сознании носителей венгерского языка по данному понятию и какие конкретные понятия участвуют в этом процессе.