The paradigmatic and syntagmatic structure of the lexical field of feeling

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the internal structure of the lexical field of FEELING, structured in hierarchies of meaning and subcategorization patterns as the codification of knowledge representation. We use the hierarchical nature of the dimension-level schemata that define this lexical field to show how hierarchical grading reflects conceptual saliency. The most significant parameters of categorization are brought to light, each of which highlights a different aspect of how feelings are represented in our mind.