Meaning generating processes from a point of view of a cognitivist. Reflection based on selected German verbs with a distinguishable adjective component

Abstract

The paper aims at showing the usefulness of cognitive approach in research of multitude of semantic processes and creating new meanings in complex lexical units. The reflection is based on the methodology of cognitive linguistics. A deeper insight is taken into conceptual metaphor, conceptual blending, trajectory and landmark organization and profiling of complex linguistic items. The research material consists of German verbs that have an adjective in its basic form (e.g. leichtfallen), including those ones with names of colours (e.g. blaumachen). On the contrary to Polish, this sort of verbs are noticeably represented in German. The described verbs can reveal cultural specific references. They could and should be examined at the same time also with the help of generally binding concept of the embodied cognition. The chosen approach could be successfully applied to other research materials.