The dog jumped over the fence? Polysemys

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of humorous graphics related to polysemy, as referenced in George Lakoff's work. Participants explore the nature of humor, symbolism, and the appropriateness of the thread's placement within the forum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants share links to graphics that they find humorous, relating to the concept of polysemy.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the humor and questions the relevance of the thread to brain teasers.
  • Another participant reflects on the historical context of symbols and suggests that ancient writings might have different interpretations than commonly assumed.
  • A participant challenges the assumption that humor is universally understood, indicating personal differences in perception.
  • There is a question about specific terms used in the diagrams, indicating a lack of clarity that may contribute to misunderstanding the humor.
  • Some participants argue that the graphics are simply symbolic diagrams and not intended as jokes or puzzles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the humor of the graphics or their appropriateness for the forum. There are competing views on the nature of the content and its interpretation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion regarding the meaning of specific symbols in the diagrams, which may affect their understanding of the humor presented.

Teo1
From George Lakoff's "Women, Fire and Dangerous Things"

I am often working to recategorize everything in existence, and this book mentions how we humans use categories. Schemas. Well, instead of finding something really smart in the book, I found these graphics that just cracked me up. :D I thought I'd share them with you all:

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy419.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy421a.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy421b.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy421c.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy422.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy423.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy424.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy425.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy429.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy432.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy432a.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy433.jpg

http://www.givnology.com/103/polysemy434.jpg
 

Attachments

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Sorry, can't see a thing.
 
What's so funny about it? And why is this in brain teasers?
 
Dave, click the link, duh, I didn't TURN OFF IMAGES the forum did

Bicycle, where would you suggest?
 
I thought they were kinda funny myself. I find myself thinking back to ancient image writings and wondering now what exactly they meant. Maybe they were not tales of heros falling from the stars, but a gooey, messy breakfast that the kids took out of the room.
 
They are just symbolic diagrams of situations. "Unusual," perhaps. But it wouldn't have occurred to you that they might be humorous if Teo hadn't suggested it in his post.
 
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Thats just not true at all. How could you even begin to know what I find funny?
 
Call it a sixth sense. If it's funny, what's the joke?
 
Im not getting this at all. But it is early for me.
 
  • #10
I am not sure why you would expect something that makes me smile, would make you feel the same way? I have a masters degree in anthropology, and spent a great deal of time studying ancient non text writing.
One of the posted links shows a sun symbol, with the adage "the syrup is running". What struck me funny is..what if the ancients ment that too?
It was funny to me.
 
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  • #11
What does the "TR" and the "LM" mean in the diagrams? :confused:
Maybe that's why I'm not getting the joke..?
 
  • #12
I don't think its a joke or a puzzle, I just think he didn't know of any better place to post it.
 

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