Image-schema transformations, radial category, 3D topological structure, and subjectification

Abstract This paper explores the polysemy of the preposition around from a cognitive perspective. The purpose of this paper is: (i) to show that in cognitive semantics of around , the trajectors (TRs), landmarks (LMs), and image-schemas are captured three-dimensionally and topologically; (ii) to show that in the senses of around , a circular path sense is central, and other senses are formed from the central circular path sense via image-schema transformations and domain shift; (iii) to show that the image-schema transformations include: disposing the TR along the circular path and excluding motion; mental scanning of the circular path; the TR entering the inside of the LM, (which is termed ‘LM-internal TRs’ in this paper); and segment profiling; (iv) to present the radial category relating each sense of around ; and (v) to show that the sense of ‘LM-internal TRs’ of around can be subjectified diachronically.