Introduction: Emotions, words and cultures

Journal/Book: Cult Psychol. 1998; 4: 6 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4PU, England. Sage Publications Ltd. 161-188.

Abstract: The author examines the meaning, and the cultural history, of the German word Angst (roughly a cross between 'anxiety' and 'fear' but with a touch of mystery or existential insecurity), which is much more common, and culturally more salient, than the word Furcht (roughly 'fear'). She shows that from a German point of view 'Angst' seems a far more 'basic' emotion than 'fear', and she investigates the possible roots of the concept of 'Angst' in Luther's language, inner struggles and theology. The author seeks to demonstrate that by studying the semantic system of a language in a rigorous way and within a coherent methodological framework, one can both reveal and document the cultural underpinnings of emotions-even the most elusive and unfathomable ones such as Angst.

Note: Article Wierzbicka A, Australian Natl Univ, Dept Linguist, Fac Arts, Canberra, Act 0200, AUSTRALIA

Keyword(s): 'basic emotions'; cultural psychology; German culture; linguistic construction of reality; social construction of emotions

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