Category of definiteness in cognitive framing in the use of English definite article

Abstract

The paper focuses on English articles which are treated as the main means of definite/indefinite reference; and defines cognitive principles which govern usage of articles. Research methodology relies on the theory of classes, its explanatory potential is analyzed as regards the meaning and usage of the indefinite article as well as the word order in the attributive group which features more than one attribute. The research also relies on the frame approach which governs the usage of the definite article. The frame is treated in terms of the non-random link (binding, bond) between the object referred to and the frame, the frame approach being also instrumental in defining metonymical transfers. Definiteness is defined by the author as the result of the speaker’s cognitive operation to assign the object some “unique” — under given circumstances — features which distinguish it from other objects (of the same class of objects). Such distinction is performed by a variety of linguistic means, such as anaphora, restrictive post-modifying attributes (cataphora), using cardinal numbers, superlative-degree adjectives, and using triggers (words or general context, in other words, a frame) which oblige the speaker to refer to the inalienable element of the frame, which is a singular object in the frame, with the definite article, without any prior mentioning it, or any other above modifier.