REEVALUATING SEMANTIC OPPOSITIONS AN ANTHROPOCENTRIC PERSPECTIVE ON LINGUISTIC CATEGORIZATION

Abstract. Semantic oppositions are at the heart of how languages structure meaning and enable communication. From classical philosophical traditions to modern cognitive research, the idea of opposition has been understood in multiple ways—ranging from logical contradictions and lexical antonymy to cultural and experiential contrasts. This paper reevaluates semantic oppositions from an anthropocentric perspective, arguing that the way we categorize opposites in language is deeply tied to human cognition, cultural background, and lived experiences. Drawing on theoretical models and empirical studies, we explore the complex and dynamic nature of oppositional structures, emphasizing their role in language evolution, cross-cultural communication, and cognitive processing.