Sensemaking as the Basic Essence of Culture (Based on the Example of Cultures of Different Language Families)

Abstract

The article examines the issues of the formation of cultural meanings as a dynamic process, the formation of the semantic core of culture and its role in the process of “expansion” of meanings. Attention is focused on the general features of culture: duality, cyclicity and the ability of culture to create an “ideal” meaning, which are directly or indirectly related to the main essential function of culture - sensemaking. The basis of sensemaking is the semantic core of a culture, which is formed by its DNA and “ideal” meanings. The DNA of a culture is understood as the “ideal” meaning. The “expansion” of meanings occurs through the dynamic connection of “ideal” meanings and “wandering” meanings. The relationship between sensemaking and the vitality of culture is indicated. Three fundamental elements of sensemaking are identified and explained – meaning-images, meaning-constructs and meaning-terms.