Making Meanings

Chapter 8 discusses how meanings are constructed according to conceptual principles, managed online and retained in the conceptual store. Conceptual representations are associated with representations in many other stores. Once a meaning is activated in the conceptual store on the inner ring, activation instantly spreads out to all the representations that happen to be associated with it. Typically, multiple associations in schemas that include conceptual representations will cross paths in the conceptual store. In this way, the conceptual system, or more specifically, its store functions in a great many schemas as a central hub, its spokes radiating out to representations in other stores. We do not need to be aware of all currently activated meanings: schemas, including conceptual representations, are regularly involved in processing at subconscious levels of activity. However, whenever their status in the current context warrants the necessary boost in activation levels, the same representations can also participate in conscious activity. The conceptual system, although closely involved in language use, is not itself a linguistic system. Nevertheless, conceptual principles always play an important role in shaping the production and interpretation of messages, with or without the use of language.