Concept of Emotions in Georgian Lexicography: Challenges and Approaches
Abstract
This study examines the challenges of defining emotions in dictionaries, with a focus on the Explanatory dictionary of the Georgian language edited by Arnold Chikobava. Using a qualitative approach, this research analyzes, the study examines selected dictionary entries denoting basic emotions. Using a qualitative approach, the research analyzes dictionary entries for eight basic and related emotion terms: ბედნიერება (happiness), სევდა (sadness), შიში (fear), ბრაზი (anger), გაკვირვება (surprise), ზიზღი (disgust), სიყვარული (love), and სიძულვილი (hate).
The analysis reveals that the dictionary employs flexible definitional strategies rather than a single universal formula. Entries typically follow patterns such as “X is a feeling of Y” or “X is a feeling of Y caused by Z,” often incorporating synonyms, intensity qualifiers, causal triggers, literary examples, and phraseological units. Findings demonstrate that definitions adapt to the semantic properties of each emotion, they reflect polysemy, script-like scenarios, and evaluative nature. Comparisons with English dictionaries highlight both convergences in core formulas and divergences in depth and illustrative support.
This study underscores the value of a meaning-oriented, adaptive approach in emotion lexicography and illustrates how the Georgian Explanatory Dictionary effectively captures the complex, overlapping nature of emotional concepts.
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