Semantic Sequences and Wordplay: A Methodology for Analyzing Ambiguous Constructions

Abstract

This article proposes a methodology for analyzing poetic texts with wordplay and multiple meanings as semantic sequences — ordered sets of elements that allow multiple interpretations. Using F. Tyutchev's poems ("I love the storm in early May...", "Russia cannot be understood with the mind...") as examples, it demonstrates how poetic ambiguity generates meanings on multiple levels: literal, emotional, symbolic, political, religious, philosophical, and ironic. The key metrological thesis: measuring semantic information requires semes (Sm) — units of the Cognitium system corresponding to atomic meaningful statements — rather than Shannon bits. Bits measure the uncertainty of choice between options ($I = \log_2(N)$) or physical data volume, but not content. Semes enable the construction of a map of meaning levels. Using the quatrain "Russia cannot be understood with the mind..." as an example: bits yield ≈2.32 bits (for 5 interpretations) or ≈640 bits (physical volume), while semes yield 7 to 19 semes with detailed structure: literal level (7 semes), political (3), religious (3), philosophical (3), ironic (3). Metaphor: bits are "bulk cargo" (weight is known, but not structure), semes are "blueprint or lace" (the architecture of meaning is visible). A classification of ambiguity types, formal models (interpretation graph, value matrix), and connections to the MBM series are proposed: different interpretations correspond to different levels of description G (Principle G) and different projections in relational ontology. The article is addressed to philologists, philosophers, cognitive scientists, metrologists, and AI researchers.