Image Schema as a Type of Concept (Using the Example of the Concept “Circle” in the Russian Linguistic Worldview)

This article discusses the traditional image schema theory, which is J. Lakoff and M. Johnson’s conceptual. Although it was introduced several decades ago, certain clarifications refinements must be made to its framework key terms in response latest advance cognitive science. In particular, questions have been raised about properties of an schema, such as bringing together different types perception, relying primarily on human motor experience, abstractness, being able morph into other schemas. For a better understanding these properties, concept “circle” Russian linguistic worldview analyzed, following were singled out by methods analysis (component, definitional, contextual, logical-linguistic, etymological), modeling, interpretation: spatiality (the presence spatial image), visualization, generalization experience logical scheme, high ability form meaning due semantic variation, combinatorial activity combine with various schemas parts larger or become center association for situation). Of special interest are means representation characteristic schema: unlike concepts types, verbalization performed help not only lexical phraseological but also word-building morphemes semantics (prefixes). A macro-image can consist many micro-image bounded under principle “family resemblance”, wherein any central, i.e., play role unifying one. The results obtained here refinement theory should promote further development linguocognitive research.