The dog jumped over the fence? Polysemys

  • Thread starter Teo1
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation revolved around the use of categories and schemas in human thinking, with the mention of humorous graphics depicting symbolic diagrams. The topic of ancient non-text writing and its interpretations was also brought up. The conversation ended with confusion over the meaning of certain symbols in the graphics.
  • #1
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
 

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  • #2
Sorry, can't see a thing.
 
  • #3
What's so funny about it? And why is this in brain teasers?
 
  • #4
Dave, click the link, duh, I didn't TURN OFF IMAGES the forum did

Bicycle, where would you suggest?
 
  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
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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  • #7
Thats just not true at all. How could you even begin to know what I find funny?
 
  • #8
Call it a sixth sense. If it's funny, what's the joke?
 
  • #9
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.
 

1. What is the meaning of "polysemys" in relation to "The dog jumped over the fence"?

Polysemys is the phenomenon in which a single word or phrase has multiple meanings. In this sentence, "dog" could refer to the animal or as a verb meaning to follow or pursue, "jumped" could refer to physically leaping or as a metaphor for being surprised, and "fence" could refer to a physical barrier or as a metaphor for an obstacle.

2. How does polysemys affect the interpretation of "The dog jumped over the fence"?

Polysemys adds layers of potential meanings to the sentence, making it open to different interpretations. Depending on the context and the reader's understanding of the words, the sentence could have a literal or figurative meaning.

3. Can you give an example of polysemys in "The dog jumped over the fence"?

In this sentence, "jumped" could have a physical or metaphorical meaning. For example, if the sentence is describing a dog physically jumping over a fence, the word "jumped" has a literal meaning. But if it is used in a context where the dog is being surprised or startled, "jumped" takes on a more figurative meaning.

4. How does the use of polysemys in "The dog jumped over the fence" contribute to language diversity?

The use of polysemys in this sentence highlights the complexity and flexibility of language. It allows for different interpretations and adds nuance to communication. It also shows how language can evolve and adapt to different contexts and cultures.

5. What are the benefits of using polysemys in language?

Polysemys allows for more creativity and depth in language. It can also make language more efficient by using a single word to convey multiple meanings. It also allows for a more nuanced understanding of language and encourages critical thinking and interpretation.

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