Universal #2026
Legacy number: 2026
| Number | 2020 |
| Original | All languages have words linking feelings with (i) the thought that "something bad can happen to me", (ii) the thought that "I want to do something", and (iii) the thought that "people think something bad about me", that is words overlapping (though not identical) in meaning with the English words afraid, angry, and ashamed. |
| Standardized | There are words linking feelings with (i) the thought that "something bad can happen to me", (ii) the thought that "I want to do something", and (iii) the thought that "people think something bad about me", that is words overlapping (though not identical) in meaning with the English words afraid, angry, and ashamed. |
| Keywords | emotion, sensation |
| Domain | lexicon |
| Type | unconditional |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | absolute |
| Basis | "working hypothesis ... on evidence gleaned from both cross-linguistic and cross-cultural studies" |
| Source | Wierzbicka 1999: 276, 286-294 |
Discussion
Notes
The three recurring themes of emotion terms: words like 'fear', 'anger', 'shame'.Cognitive scenarios as such are not universal, but certain "components" appear to be universal as reference points for emotion concepts.
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Cognitive scenarios as such are not universal, but certain "components" appear to be universal as reference points for emotion concepts.