Blurb:

Chapter 9 evaluates the effect of conceptualization on the explanation of


pairs of linguistic expressions acting as rivals. The aim is to discover the


meaning differences between apparently similar linguistic expressions. The


chapter is organized as follows. Section 9.1 explores the phenomenon of construal


and underlines its significance. Construal refers to the mental ability


of a speaker to describe a situation in alternate ways and express them in


language by using different linguistic expressions. Section 9.2 weighs two


theories of explanation: reference and construal. In the reference theory,


meaning equals reference. This theory treats meaning as existing outside the


mind. In the construal theory, meaning equals conceptualization. This theory


treats meaning as existing in the mind. In both sections, I pursue three steps.


First, I establish the essence of the theory. Second, I disclose its axioms and


ramifications. Third, I provide examples to demonstrate its application to


different areas within language. Section 9.3 gives a summary of the main


points of the chapter.