Author(s): Mahmoud Arif Edan, Atyaf Hasan Ibrahim

Abstract: This research examines the semantics and pragmatics of spatial expressions as they occur in various languages, with a particular focus on the English language. It examines how these expressions are conceptualized and utilized in diverse Western and Eastern cultural contexts, highlighting the importance of spatial terms in shaping human cognition and communication. By applying Talmy's typology of spatial expressions, the study aims to uncover how cultural factors influence the semantic meanings and pragmatic uses of spatial expressions. The results reveal a pattern of variability in the usage of spatial expressions, reflecting cultural and contextual factors in discourse. This research enhances our understanding of how language encapsulates complex spatial relationships, providing empirical evidence for the interplay of linguistics, cognition, and culture. It highlights the need for further investigation into the typological representation of spatial relations within linguistic frameworks, offering insights into cognitive processes that govern the perception and description of space across different cultures.

Keywords: Literal Meaning, Intended Use, Semantic, Pragmatic, Analysis, Spatial Expressions

Article Info: Received: 25 May 2024 Received in revised form: 21 Jun 2024; Accepted: 24 Jun 2024; Available online: 30 Jun 2024

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.93.72