Beeldskemas van tydsduur: die polisemiese aard van terwyl, onderwyl en wyl

Abstract

This article shows how the polysemic nature af a group of subordinating conjunctions in Afrikaans, 'terwyl', 'onderwyl' and 'wyl' (meaning nuances of 'while' and 'whilst') can be explained in terms of three underlying image schemas. The expansion of their meaning is depicted through chains of meaning. In accordance with the basic tenets of cognitive linguistics a usage-based approach is followed.