On the Problem of Lexical Meaning Representation: A Semiotic Aspect

Abstract

The paper provides comparative analysis of the seme stocks denoting good in modern English and French. The formalized analysis of lexical semantics integrating both mathematical and purely linguistic methods has been employed to conduct the research. The study shows that each word in question is internally structured and presents an organized hierarchy of lexical meanings. The seme stocks of the nouns denoting good in English and French present hierarchical systems, subdivided into subsets of polyfunctional, semes with the average degree of functionality, and monofunctional. The comparison of the seme stocks under study has shown that they differ in quantitative characteristics more than qualitative ones. The views on good are partially concurrent in the English and French language world pictures. Both cultures associate it with a good-doer, his/her inner world, social rank, acts of favour, courteous attitude to others, spiritual and material values that promote the highest happiness. The distinctive features reveal the socio-pragmatic character of the concept in English and socially conditioned – in French.