Language:
Research journal "Foreign Languages in Tertiary Education"
ISSN 2072-7607
Latest issues

Obukhov Ye. S.

Cognitive-matrix analysis of the conceptual structure of the term “decentralized finance”. Pp. 74–84.

UDC 81-13+ 81`37

DOI: 10.37724/RSU.2025.75.4.008

EDN: SHYIYS

 

Abstract. The term “decentralized finance” is analyzed within the framework of the cognitive paradigm. The article examines the application of cognitive-matrix analysis as a method for studying the terminological vocabulary of the specified domain. The object of the research is the term “decentralized finance”, while the subject is the application of cognitive matrix analysis as a method for studying the terminological vocabulary of decentralized finance. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that, for the first time in Russian terminology studies, English-language terms of the specified field are examined from a cognitive perspective. An example is provided of how cognitive matrix analysis can be used to identify the conceptual structure of decentralized finance terms.

The article considers several approaches to defining the concept of the term: the substantial, functional, and cognitive. A cognitive matrix analysis is conducted on the material of the term “decentralized finance”, as represented in the glossaries of decentralized platforms, applications, and English-language news resources such as Binance Academy, Consensys, Ethereum Website, Ethereum Glossary, and Tastycrypto.

The analysis reveals that the “technical and technological” and “social” peripheral domains are most prominently represented in the structure of the concept DECENTRALIZED FINANCE, whereas the “financial” and “legal” domains are less explicitly present. This is due to the shift in focus from basic characteristics of the concept to innovative and differentiating features in the term’s definitions. Cognitive matrix analysis makes it possible to identify peripheral domains and conceptual components of the cognitive structure of DeFi terminological vocabulary, highlighting its interdisciplinary nature.

Keywords: cognitive science, term, terminological vocabulary, cognitive terminology studies, cognitive-matrix analysis, core, periphery, concept, conceptual structure, decentralized finance.

 

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