THE CONCEPT OF MONUMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE: TOWARD A LEXICAL AND SEMANTIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This article delves into the lexical and semantic analysis of the concept MONUMENT, with a focus on its historical and cultural significance within various linguistic traditions. By employing componential analysis, the study reveals both common and differential semes associated with the lexeme “monument”, highlighting its multifaceted roles as a physical structure, a symbol of memory, and a marker of historical and cultural identity. Common semes such as “remembrance”, statue”, “tombstone”, and “historic significance” underscore the unifying aspects of the concept MONUMENT, while differential semes, including “boundary marker”, “lasting evidence”, “written tribute”, and “exceptional example”, reveal the diverse and multifaceted roles that monuments play in different contexts. Tracing the etymological evolution of the term “monument” from its Latin roots, the research demonstrates how the concept extends beyond its material form to encompass deeper cultural meanings related to commemoration, boundary marking, and exemplary achievements. The study underscores the dynamic nature of monuments, emphasizing their importance not only as cultural artifacts but also as symbolic embodiments of collective memory and identity. In light of ongoing global conflicts and natural disasters, this research also emphasizes the critical need for the preservation of monuments, which are vital to maintaining cultural heritage. Prospective areas for future study include the cross-cultural analysis of the concept MONUMENT and its evolving role in contemporary geopolitical contexts.