Functional Contrasts In Spatial Meaning
Functional Contrasts In Spatial Meaning

Summary/Abstract: It is accepted that prepositions primarily refer to the domain of physical space in terms of objects and their locations (topological relations). Everyday language, however, reveals that not only topological relations, but also dynamic and functional relations between entities are expressed by these lexical units. We discuss the functional patterns expressed by the English prepositions at, on, and in. Contrasts are looked for in colloquial expressions, such as at a job, on a job and in a job. We argue that each of these prepositions expresses a particular functional relation, which becomes relevant for distinguishing meaning in those contexts where topology or dynamic patterns are not focussed on. In the case of at, a functional relation of operation is posited, so that the trajector is conceptualized in a position that allows for operation in relation to the landmark. As for the relation expressed by on, the trajector has control over the situation and uses the landmark as support in order to keep that control. Finally, in indicates that the trajector is controlled by the landmark, and this may occur in two ways: either the landmark protects the trajector from external agents or prevents it from free movement. We conclude that prepositional polysemy incorporates these functional patterns. Our hypothesis raises the question whether these functional relations have extended metaphorically from topological configurations or whether they have appeared independently from embodied human interactive patterns associated to particular topologies. Is the origin of functional patterns to be found in topological and dynamic relations, or have they emerged independently? Alternatively, have these three modes developed simultaneously in both ontogenetic and diachronic development?

• Details
• Contents