Conceptual Windows In Language

The study of conceptual structure is one important field in cognitive linguistics. There are different kinds of theoretical models proposed such as ICM (idealized cognitive model), frames, domains and mental spaces. However, the conceptual experiences are far more complex than the description of these constructs and a more comprehensive constructs is needed in the research of conceptual structures. Proposing the theory of conceptual windows in this research, the author tries to give a new description of the conceptual experiences.The thesis begins with a short reflection of the major theories concerning the discussion of conceptual structures. The basic definitions about conceptual windows are given in Chapter Three. Conceptual windows are the mental images that reside in mind and can be opened or evoked by linguistic elements (which is not necessitated). There are mainly two kinds of conceptual windows: linear windows and radial windows, according to the different conceptual operations going on in the process of conceptualization.Chapter Four is devoted to the discussion of linear windows. Linear windows can be explicit or implicit, which depends on the amount of attention paid to them. A series of linear windows form a sequence, which reflects the conceptual structure in the speaker's mind. In the sequence, some linear windows can be grouped together by a framing window which is conceptually dependent. When an otherwise implicit window is given enough attention and is promoted to the position of explicitness, it would have the marked effect of evoking certain radial windows.Radial windows are discussed in Chapter Five. Radial windows cluster around a central concept, which is the current focus of attention in mind. Each concept can evoke a large number of radial windows, among which some are unconscious and are in the back of mind in conceptualization, and others are conscious and are activated in conceptualization. When the connections between radial windows and the central concept get entrenched, they become stereotyped, which embody the concepts which are shared by all the members of the speech community. They are usually unconscious in conceptualization, which enhances the efficiency in communication. Radial windows have different hierarchies and are grouped into different but connected clusters. The human conceptual system is built up by cluster of radial windows.Although the conceptual operations are different with linear windows and radial windows, they are dependent on each other in communication. Their interactions in conceptualization are discussed in Chapter Six. Linear windows and radial windows interact with each other in communication, and the conceptual structures are in a dynamic exchange between the speaker and the hearer. There is the process of conceptual flow from the speaker to the hearer. Radial windows can be unfolded into linear windows, which can be realized with linguistic expressions. These linear windows can be folded into clusters of radial windows and assimilated into the hearer's existing conceptual system. During the folding process, the initial sequence of linear windows would be lost.In the discussion of conceptual structures, the author takes great effort to reveal the dynamic nature in conceptual structures and attaches importance to the pragmatic factors which have impacts in conceptualization. The research is done on the foundations of the findings in cognitive linguistics, and it is beyond them, giving a more reasonable explanation of the conceptual structure. As the process of conceptualization is complex and the author tries to cover a wide area in the thesis, some topics are discussed shortly without the due respect they deserve. The author hopes that more research could be done in the future.