THE ROLE OF SPATIAL SEMANTICS IN THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE ENGLISH-LANGUAGE COMMERCIAL SPHERE

Abstract

Goal. Establishing the principles of conceptualization of abstract trade relations by means of lexical units with spatial semantics. Methods. The method of semantic analysis was used to highlight spatial semantics; the method of contextual analysis was used to determine the actualization of spatial semantic components in syntactic propositions. Establishing the metaphorical aspects of the objectification of trade and its components was made possible by the application of the interpretation method. The results. The vertical axis, as a physical reference system and a cognitive archetype, plays a significant role in the objectification of the commercial sphere. At the language level, this is realized with the use of spatial prepositions up, down, as well as verbs whose semantics imply vertical movement. The conceptualization of the trade sphere relative to the horizontal frame of reference implies a certain metaphorical objectification of it. The horizontal scale has certain points of reference, which authorizes the use of such expressions as take over, move ahead, lag behind. Conducting trade relations is understood as moving forward, while obstacles are interpreted as pushing back. Conclusions. Abstract trade processes and relations between subjects involved in trade relations are understood by the existing experience of conceptualizing spatial relations between physical objects. An increase (for example, in price) is perceived as a jump, an upward movement, while a decrease is conceptualized as a downward fall. The course of trade relations is objectified in the mind as moving forward, while obstacles are understood as pushes back. The abstract concept of TRADE is interpreted as a physical object that can expand its borders, and its components can be connected by bridges. Such results indicate a high degree of metaphoricity of the objectification of the analyzed sphere, and therefore the study of the peculiarities of the objectification of the trade sphere in the context of the theory of conceptual metaphor is considered promising.