Framesemmantiikassa

Framesemmantiikassa is a concept within theoretical linguistics, specifically related to the study of semantics and how meaning is structured. It proposes that the meaning of words and phrases is understood through underlying conceptual structures or "frames." These frames are not simply lists of definitions but rather represent a network of related concepts, roles, and expectations that give context to a particular word or situation.

For example, the word "buy" can be understood within a frame that includes participants like a buyer, a seller, and an item, as well as actions such as the transfer of goods and money. Similarly, the word "restaurant" activates a frame involving customers, waiters, food, tables, and the act of dining. The specific meaning of "restaurant" in a sentence is then understood in relation to this activated frame and its constituent elements.

This approach suggests that understanding language involves accessing and applying these conceptual frames. When we encounter a word, our minds automatically activate the relevant frame, providing a rich context for interpretation. Framesemmantiikassa helps explain how we can understand novel sentences and infer meanings that are not explicitly stated, by drawing on our pre-existing knowledge about the world and how concepts are organized. It is a framework used to analyze the dynamic and context-dependent nature of meaning in human language.