Narrowing of meaning

Explanation

A linguistic change in which the scope of an expression becomes narrower. In the atlas, narrowing of meaning is explored as a relationship between form, expectation, and effect. It reveals a historical loss of scope.

Example

An expression that was once general comes to be used later only for a subset.

Counterexample

Semantic expansion broadens the scope of application.

Distinction

Widening of meaning expands the scope of application.

Effect on thought and perception

The concept reveals a historical loss of scope. This renders a linguistic order that was previously taken for granted perceptible as an active thought process.

Resonance

Resonance arises when narrowing of meaning is not only recognized but also experienced in its directional effect between expression, body, context, and interpretation.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Narrowing of meaning“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-038. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-038

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-038