Cognitive Linguistics: An Introduction

by Evans; Vyvyan

• ISBN13: 9780805860139
• ISBN10: 0805860134
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-03-03
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

A general introduction to the area of theoretical linguistics known as cognitive linguistics, this textbook provides up-to-date coverage of all areas of the field, including recent developments within cognitive semantics (such as Primary Metaphor Theory, Conceptual Blending Theory, and Principled Polysemy), and cognitive approaches to grammar (such as Radical Construction Grammar and Embodied Construction Grammar). The authors offer clear, critical evaluations of competing formal approaches within theoretical linguistics. For example, cognitive linguistics is compared to Generative Grammar and Relevance Theory. In the selection of material and in the presentations, the authors have aimed for a balanced perspective. Part II, Cognitive Semantics, and Part III, Cognitive Approaches to Grammar, have been created to be read independently. The authors have kept in mind that different instructors and readers will need to use the book in different ways tailored to their own goals. The coverage is suitable for a number of courses. While all topics are presented in terms accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students of linguistics, cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, cognitive science, and modern languages, this work is sufficiently comprehensive and detailed to serve as a reference work for scholars who wish to gain a better understanding of cognitive linguistics.

Table of Contents

Contents:Part I:Overview of the Cognitive Linguistics Enterprise.What Does It Mean to Know a Language? The Nature of Cognitive Linguistics: Assumptions and Commitments. Universals and Variation in Language, Thought, and Experience. Language in Use: Knowledge of Language, Language Change, and Language Acquisition.Part II:Cognitive Semantics.What Is Cognitive Semantics? Embodiment and Conceptual Structure. The Encyclopaedic View of Meaning. Categorisation and Idealised Cognitive Models. Metaphor and Metonymy. Word Meaning and Radial Categories. Meaning Construction and Mental Spaces. Conceptual Blending. Cognitive Semantics in Context.Part III:Cognitive Approaches to Grammar. What Is a Cognitive Approach to Grammar? The Conceptual Basis of Grammar. Cognitive Grammar: Word Classes. Cognitive Grammar: Constructions. Cognitive Grammar: Tense, Aspect, Mood, and Voice. Motivating a Construction Grammar. The Architecture of Construction Grammars. Grammaticalisation. Cognitive Approaches to Grammar in Context.Part IV:Conclusion.Assessing the Cognitive Linguistics Enterprise.