merkkityksinä

Merkityksinä refers to the abstract levels or degrees of meaning in language and communication. This concept is often discussed in the context of linguistics, semiotics, and philosophy, particularly in relation to the works of Finnish philosopher and linguist, J.L. Austin.

Merkityksinä acknowledges that words and signs in language carry multiple layers of significance, which can be separate from their literal or obvious meanings. These secondary meanings can be influenced by context, cultural background, personal experiences, and the speaker's intent. The term suggests that meaning is not fixed but rather fluid, and that it can vary across different individuals and situations.

In philosophical and linguistic discussions, merkitysinä has connections with the ideas of reference, signification, and interpretation. It also touches upon the concept of "double meaning" and the notion of "family resemblance" encountered in J.L. Austin's work.

J.L. Austin used the term merkitysinä to describe a hierarchical system of meaning levels in communication. He argued that the deeper or inner meanings are built upon the surface level of literal or obvious meaning. According to Austin, this internal structure of significance can underlie the act of communication and its effects.

Merkityksinä's discussions of abstract and variable meanings are stimulated by linguistics, pragmatic, and cognitive science, and continue to have implications for communication, language, and understanding.