Some Changes in the Associative Dimension of the Concept

Abstract

The present paper aims at identifying some changes in the associative dimension of the concepts of “family”, Freedom” and “life”. The research of the associative dimension of the concepts is implemented by applying the method of the free associative experiment aimed at revealing informants’ (English and Georgian speakers) associates-reactions to certain stimuli). The frequency ratios of reactions have been defined and the specifics of the core-periphery relationship has been identified in the associative fields. The analysis of the material of the free associative experiment revealed that the concepts of “family”, “freedom” and “life” perceived and interpreted by the respondents have been manifested in the cause-effect, temporal, and spatial relations. The comparison of the lexical-semantic and associative fields has been made. The mentioned entities have been constructed by applying the principle of significance. According to the mentioned principle, each element of the field has been included in the system due to its meaning and significance determined on the basis of the system as a whole.