THE ROLE OF LACUNAE IN COGNITIVE LINGUISTICS: CONCEPTUAL GAPS, CULTURAL FRAMES, AND CROSS-LINGUISTIC MEANING

Abstract. This thesis examines the role of lacunae in cognitive linguistics, focusing on their significance in revealing differences between linguistic systems, conceptual structures, and culturally shaped interpretations of reality. Lacunae are traditionally associated with gaps in lexical equivalence; however, their significance extends beyond the absence of direct word-for-word correspondences to differences in cultural knowledge, conceptual associations, social practices, evaluative meanings, and communicative expectations. Drawing on recent research in lacuna theory, cognitive linguistics, and intercultural communication, the study employs a qualitative, comparative, and conceptual-analytical approach to investigate how lacunae reveal the relationship between language, cognition, and culture. Particular attention is paid to the role of conceptual frames, cultural scripts, and background knowledge in the interpretation of linguistically and culturally specific expressions. The discussion demonstrates that lacunae can be understood as analytical indicators of differences in the ways linguistic communities organize, verbalize, and interpret experience. Their investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of conceptualization, cross-linguistic semantics, translation equivalence, and intercultural communication.