Charles Fillmore

Definition

Charles Fillmore was a prominent linguist known for his contributions to the understanding of meaning and reference in language, particularly through the development of Frame Semantics. His work emphasized how context and mental structures influence the way language is used to convey meaning, linking linguistic expressions to the cognitive processes of understanding.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fillmore introduced the concept of 'frames' to describe how our understanding of words is shaped by the mental structures we activate during communication.
2. His theory of Frame Semantics highlights the importance of context in understanding the meaning of linguistic expressions.
3. Fillmore also developed the notion of semantic roles, which categorizes the functions that various noun phrases serve in relation to verbs.
4. He was a key figure in the shift towards cognitive approaches in linguistics, influencing how scholars view the connection between language and thought.
5. Fillmore's work laid the groundwork for further research in areas like discourse analysis and pragmatics, emphasizing the dynamic nature of meaning.

Review Questions

• How did Charles Fillmore's concept of Frame Semantics change the way we understand language?
  • Charles Fillmore's concept of Frame Semantics revolutionized our understanding of language by emphasizing that meaning is not just derived from words themselves but is heavily influenced by contextual mental structures or 'frames.' These frames help listeners interpret and relate to what is being communicated, making it clear that understanding language requires cognitive engagement with both linguistic forms and their situational contexts. This shift has encouraged deeper exploration into how language functions within specific contexts.
• Evaluate the impact of Fillmore's theories on the development of Cognitive Linguistics.
  • Fillmore's theories have had a profound impact on the development of Cognitive Linguistics by highlighting the intricate connections between language, thought, and context. His introduction of Frame Semantics opened new avenues for researchers to investigate how our cognitive processes shape our linguistic choices and interpretations. This perspective challenges traditional views that treat language as a static system, instead framing it as dynamic and deeply interconnected with human cognition.
• Analyze how Fillmore's notions of semantic roles contribute to our understanding of event representation in language.
  • Fillmore's notions of semantic roles enhance our understanding of event representation in language by delineating the specific functions that various participants (or arguments) serve within a sentence. By categorizing these roles, such as agent, patient, or experiencer, Fillmore allows us to see how different elements interact in an event described by a verb. This analytical framework not only clarifies sentence structure but also enriches our comprehension of narrative and discourse, showing how we mentally map events through language.

Related terms

Frame Semantics: A theory developed by Charles Fillmore that posits that understanding language involves activating specific mental structures or frames that provide context for interpreting meaning.

Cognitive Linguistics: An interdisciplinary field that examines how language reflects our thoughts and cognitive processes, heavily influenced by Fillmore's ideas on meaning and reference.

Semantic Roles: Concepts used in Fillmore's work to describe the relationship between a verb and its arguments, clarifying how different participants in an event are affected by the action.