Rahmensemantik

Rahmensemantik, also known as frame semantics, is a branch of linguistics and cognitive science that examines how language constructs and interprets the world through conceptual frameworks or "frames." Developed primarily by the linguist George Lakoff and his collaborator Mark Johnson in their 1980 book *Metaphors We Live By*, the theory posits that human understanding and communication are deeply influenced by metaphorical mappings between different domains of experience. For instance, abstract concepts like time, love, or politics are often understood through metaphors derived from more concrete experiences, such as movement ("time is a journey") or physical interactions ("politics is warfare").

Frames serve as cognitive structures that organize knowledge and guide interpretation. They consist of roles, entities, and relationships that define a situation, such as a "restaurant frame," which includes elements like a host, food, and customers. When language uses frames, it not only conveys information but also shapes how listeners or readers perceive and evaluate that information. For example, framing a health policy as a "war on obesity" can evoke strong emotional responses and influence public perception and policy decisions.

Rahmensemantik extends beyond linguistics into fields like cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, and even philosophy. It highlights how cultural and linguistic differences can lead to varying frames, affecting communication and understanding across cultures. Researchers also apply frame analysis to media studies, examining how news narratives or advertisements use specific frames to influence opinions and behaviors. While some critics argue that frame semantics oversimplifies complex cognitive processes, its insights remain influential in understanding how language shapes thought and social interaction.