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Volume 11, Issue 2
  • ISSN 2213-8722
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Abstract

Abstract

This paper reflects on interjections in English. An interjection is a word or phrase that is used to express strong emotions, often suddenly, like when a small mistake happens, as in . To provide a new picture of interjections, it embeds the analysis in Cognitive Grammar. In this regard, it attempts to verify three claims of Cognitive Grammar. One claim describes a linguistic expression as a cluster of distinct but related senses. In light of this claim, the paper argues that an interjection forms a category of numerous senses organized around a central one. Another claim characterizes the meanings of linguistic expressions with respect to the fields to which they belong. In virtue of this claim, the paper argues that interjections form domains in which they stand for a general concept but differ in specifics. A further claim ascribes the use of a linguistic expression to the particular construal imposed on its content. Given this claim, the paper argues that the use of an interjection results from the particular perspective in which the speaker takes on a situation. The aim is to highlight the extra touch of meaning that interjections flavor the utterances in which they occur. The gist is that interjections are purposeful choices for expressing sentiments.

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/content/journals/10.1075/cogls.00122.ham
2024-10-10
2025-04-30

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/content/journals/10.1075/cogls.00122.ham
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): category; construal; domain; facet; perspective

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