A Frames Approach to the Semantics of Nouns

Abstract

This article presents a theoretical extension of Frame semantics (cf. Fillmore 1982, 1985, Fillmore and Atkins 1992) to describe the semantics of nouns. In Frame semantics, word meaning is analyzed in relation to a situational concept, frame, which comprises roles called frame elements. We present an analytical framework for nouns in Frame semantics. The proposed model posits three classes in the category of noun: (i) common nouns, (ii) role nouns, and (iii) event nouns. Common nouns do not evoke a particular frame (e.g., dog, cat, ...). In contrast, role nouns and event nouns evoke a particular frame, and distinguished in terms of whether they denote a part [role] of a frame, namely, a frame element (e.g., killer for Killing) or a frame itself (e.g., destruction for Destroying).