LITERALIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Literalization is a linguistic concept referring to the process of transforming something symbolic or figurative into its literal or straightforward meaning. It involves the act of interpreting a word, phrase, or expression in a concrete, factual manner, devoid of any metaphorical or symbolic associations. In literalization, the original figurative or abstract meaning is disregarded, and the representation becomes a direct, concrete representation of the original subject or concept.
This process typically takes place within the field of language study, where figurative language and idiomatic expressions are common. For example, the phrase "kick the bucket" is a well-known idiom meaning "to die." In the literalization process, the idiom loses its figurative connotation and is interpreted as literally kicking a bucket. This interpretation strips away the metaphorical meaning and leaves a literal and nonsensical interpretation.
Literalization can also occur in other domains, such as in visual art or cultural practices. For instance, the transformation of a fictional character from a book into a tangible, physical representation in a movie or play involves the literalization of a conceptual idea.
Overall, literalization is a cognitive and linguistic process that consists of extracting the concrete meaning from an originally abstract or symbolic representation. It disregards underlying metaphors, symbolism, or cultural associations, focusing solely on the basic, everyday definition of a word, phrase, or expression.
Common Misspellings for LITERALIZATION
Etymology of LITERALIZATION
The word "literalization" is formed by adding the suffix "-ization" to the word "literal". The term "literal" is derived from the Latin word "literalis", which means "of or belonging to letters or writing". It originates from the Latin word "littera", meaning "letter" or "script". The suffix "-ization" is derived from the Latin suffix "-izatio", which signifies the act or process of making, creating, or turning something into a specific condition or state. When combined, "literalization" refers to the act or process of making something literal or taking something as its most basic or straightforward meaning.
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