Lantin, Robert G. (2017). Introducing prime reduction as a method for writing cultural scripts and defining abstract concepts. International Journal of Language and Linguistics, 4(1), 9-15.
Abstract:
This article proposes a method for writing cultural scripts and defining abstract concepts called ‘prime reduction’. NSM theory is used as a starting point. The theory is sketched out, along with the key notions of ‘semantic primes’ and ‘cultural scripts’. Several examples are then provided to illustrate NSM. With the examples in place, the method of ‘prime reduction’ is introduced and applied to several abstract concepts and cultural values, with particular reference to Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and American English. The claim is that prime reduction helps not only with the task of writing cultural scripts, but can also be used to define abstract concepts in the broader context of EFL learning.
Rating:
Approximate application of NSM principles carried out without prior training by an experienced NSM practitioner
