ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-NAV-G01-021 · ATLAS 259

Interpretation

Interpretation establishes the meaning of an expression, text or action through context and defensible connections.

Part of the subject path Argumentation, Logic and Discourse

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

G · Foundational concept R2 · Necessary foundation

Interpretation is needed to distinguish reasoned understanding from association or unsupported assertion. A proposed reading remains accountable to expression, context, and examinable grounds.

Colours and admission grounds

The rectangular label identifies the entry function: F – linguistic figure or procedure; A – analytical concept; G – foundational concept; E – selected concrete case. The rounded badge indicates the admission ground: R1 – distinctive contribution; R2 – necessary foundation; R3 – justified illustrative case. This editorial rationale explains the current selection rather than claiming an undocumented original selection history.

Explanation

Interpretation establishes the meaning of an expression, text or action through context and defensible connections. It relates what is given to assumptions about what it means here. It is therefore neither transcription nor unrestricted projection. Different objects and traditions support different methods; a linguistic atlas should not silently impose a single theory. Its assessable core is to ground a reading in specific features and state both what it explains and what counts against it.

Movement of thought

1. Delimit the object of interpretation. 2. Make initial assumptions and prior knowledge explicit. 3. Relate textual features and context to those assumptions. 4. Test alternative readings and resistant details. 5. Formulate a supported reading with a stated scope.

Scientific use case

Hermeneutics, pragmatics and qualitative research can make decisions inspectable through textual evidence, contextual reconstruction and comparison of alternatives.

Example

After a failed rehearsal someone says, “That was brilliant.” Tone and situation may support irony; without them the reading remains uncertain.

Counterexample

An invented intention with no textual support is not a well-grounded interpretation. Merely repeating the words does not establish their situated meaning either.

Distinction

Distinguish explanation, paraphrase, translation and subjective association. They may support interpretation without being identical to it.

Effect on thought and perception

Details become connected while analysis may revise its own perspective.

Resonance

An object answers questions but may also resist the first reading imposed upon it.

Provenance

Parallel source review reconciled 2026-10-07; human specialist review not claimed.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Interpretation“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G01-021. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G01-021

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G01-021

The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.