Semantics of Emotion Concepts 3301-JF286

The aim of this course is to introduce the participants to the principles of cross-linguistic semantic study of emotion words. The main theoretical approach used during the course is the Natural Semantic Metalanguage framework, which has been applied to the study of emotion words across a variety of languages and cultures. We are going to look at the selected aspects of some vocabularies of emotion (in particular, English, Polish, Mandarin Chinese, Tagalog) trying to assess the dimensions of cross-linguistic variability in this domain, as well as to comment on the cultural and communicative significance of such diversity. A semantic view on the question of ''universal emotions'' concludes the course. The topics include:
1. Introduction: Cultures, Emotions, Languages. Emotion words as cultural artefacts: anthropological and ethnolinguistic evidence.
2.Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) as a tool for cross-linguistic semantic analysis of emotion words. Cultural scripts and cognitive scenarios. Types of linguistic evidence helpful in writing NSM scripts. Sample explications.
3. 'Anger-like' words in a cross-linguistic perspective: an overview. Comparative evidence from Mandarin Chinese, Polish, and Tagalog.
4. 'Shame-like' words in a cross-linguistic perspective. Emotions of social and moral assessment. English vs. Mandarin Chinese.
5. 'Fear-like' words in a cross-linguistic perspective. Bad feelings in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Polish - towards a comparison.
6. Universal emotions vs. emotional universals (Wierzbicka). A semantic perspective.

Course coordinators

Paweł Kornacki

Type of course

elective courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

Up to 3 absences per semester The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom is governed by the rules set forth in Resolution No. 16 of the Teaching Council for the programs English Studies, English Studies – Linguistics, and English Studies – Literature and Culture of 9 December 2025 https://ia.uw.edu.pl/fileadmin/ilustracje/dokumenty/2026/RD_IA_2025_UCHWALA_nr16_narzedzia_AI_nowelizacja_ZAL2_EN.pdf

Learning outcomes

Participants learn the essential principles of representing meanings of emotion words using the Natural Semantic Metalanguage approach to meaning across a variety of languages and cultures.
In class discussions students acquire skills of expressing their thoughts in a clear, coherent, logical and precise manner, with the use of language which is correct grammatically, lexically and phonetically.

K_W04 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright

Knowledge
Students will have in-depth familiarity with:
K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path)
K_W04 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright

Abilities
Students will be able to:
K_U01 apply the advanced terminology, theories and methods of linguistic research to solve complex and original research problems in accordance with his/her chosen specialisation (and educational path)

Social competences
Students will be ready to:
K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources
K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required

*** Applies to students who began their studies in the year 2022/2023 ***

Knowledge
Students will have in-depth familiarity with:
K_W01 Identify and characterize on an advanced level the place and status of linguistics within the humanities
K_W02 Describe on an advanced level the current trends in linguistic research within English studies

Abilities
Students will be able to:
K_U01 Apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to the discipline (linguistics).
K_U03 Apply knowledge obtained during the course of studies to account for and solve a problem, thereby completing a research task related to the discipline linguistics
K_U04 Analyze linguistic, literary and cultural phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis in the context of societal, historical and economic factors on an advanced level
K_U05 Discern alternative methodological paradigms within a discipline
K_U08 Participate in group projects, collaborate with others and be a team leader in conducting collaborative research, presentations and other tasks included in the curriculum
K_U09 Present knowledge in a coherent, precise and linguistically correct manner in English on level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, ensuring an appropriate register and form

Social competences
Students will be ready to:
K_K02 Apply knowledge and skills obtained during the course of studies to undertake lifelong learning, as well as personal and professional development
K_K03 Take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings related to the disciplines included on the curriculum of English studies
K_K04 Assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to the studies.

Assessment criteria

- Semantic assignments (two short written assignments and one presentation)
- Semester paper

Bibliography

Goddard, C., A.Wierzbicka. 2014. Words and Meanings. Lexical Semantics across Domains, Languages and Cultures. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Harkins, J., A.Wierzbicka (eds.) 2001. Emotions in Crosslinguistic Perspective. Berlin-New York: Mouton de Gruyter.
Wierzbicka, A. 1992. Semantics, Culture, and Cognition: Universal Human Concepts in Culture-Specific Configurations. New York: Oxford University Press.
Wierzbicka, A. 1999. Emotions Across Languages and Cultures: Diversity and Universals. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.