Cognitive Linguistics

An authoritative general introduction to cognitive linguistics. This new textbook introduction to Cognitive Linguistics provides up-to-date coverage of all areas of the field, exploring recent developments such as the theory of primary metaphors, Conceptual Blending Theory, and the development of Radical Construction Grammar. All topics are introduced in terms accessible to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, while the comprehensive and detailed coverage make this equally invaluable as a reference resource for scholars in linguistics and neighbouring disciplines. The book is divided into three main sections, a 'background' section, introducing cognitive linguistic approaches to a range of topics (including language and mind, language change and linguistic relativity); a section on semantics; and a grammar section. The text is designed for flexible use on courses of varying lengths, or which differ in focus. It also includes appropriate critical evaluation, comparing and contrasting different approaches within the discipline, and between Cognitive Linguistics and other formal and functional approaches, including formal semantics and generative grammar.