Image-based cross-linguistic bridges: the issue of translatability
Waldemar Skrzypczak
Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń
Image schematic transformations largely rely on the processes of domain shifting and profile shifting, which can be described in terms of metaphtonymy and/or blending, and which can successfully account for such phenomena as polysemy. It is assumed that such processes go far beyond mere lexical units and are responsible for higher order levels, (i.e. phrasal and clausal). Image schematic transformations (such as multiplex to mass, superimposition of virtual motion onto static images etc.) allow one to understand intra-linguistic interfaces among such categories as: time, space, process, causation, purpose, and counterfactuality.At higher-order (i. e. generic) levels they provide themselves to the process of translability across languages even despite the apparent lexical and syntactic 'incomatibility'. Also the issues of 'duality' of imagistic representations in the semantic space and "alternate construals' in grammar provide extra insights to the case in question.
The paper aims to present the overall theoretical basis supported by a number of intralinguistic examples that show the potential to paraphrase certain ideas, where internal coherence among cross-domain and intra-domain mappings is preserved thanks to processes of skeletalisation of dynamic thought patterns, and how these mechanisms work in the case of cross-linguistic translation. Even though there is no such thing as full semantic equivalence, translation is possible via accessing image schematic bridges that should be universal and stable conceptual traits among users of diverse languages.
Theoretically, the paper is congruent with the ongoing Cognitive Linguistic research and also draws upon the tenets of Radical Construction Grammar. It is committed to such well- known claims as: 'grammar is image' and 'meaning is equal to conceptualisation',as well as to the experiential stance in explaining meaning construction phenomena.