Communication-Cognition ‘Butterfly’ (Geometrical Model of Verbal Communication in Case of Ambiguity)

Abstract

The present paper deals with the traditional semantic triangle from the perspective of successful / unsuccessful communication in case of linguistic ambiguity and examines the limitations of the triangle in description of communication-cognition process. It is maintained that the semantic triangle merely explains the relationship between sign, concept and referent and describes how the received linguistic signs are decoded but fails to demonstrate the process of communication which is the main function of human language. An attempt is made to model and demonstrate communication-cognition process in case of linguistic ambiguity geometrically. Thus, instead of the semantic triangle, the author suggests a new geometrical shape dubbed “communication-cognition „butterfly” which includes both the source and recipient of linguistic signs and is tested by means of English linguistic humor based on ambiguity.