Cognitive Linguistics
An Introduction
Published on 8. February 2006
Book
Paperback/Softback
848 pages
978-0-7486-1832-3 (ISBN)
Description
An authoritative general introduction to cognitive linguistics, this book provides up-to-date coverage of all areas of the field and sets in context recent developments within cognitive semantics (including primary metaphors, conceptual blending and Principled Polysemy), and cognitive approaches to grammar (including Radical Construction Grammar and Embodied Construction Grammar). While all topics are introduced in terms accessible to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, this work is sufficiently comprehensive and detailed to serve as a reference work for scholars from linguistics and neighbouring disciplines who wish to gain a better understanding of cognitive linguistics. The book is divided into three parts (The cognitive linguistics enterprise; Cognitive semantics; and Cognitive approaches to grammar), and is therefore suitable for a range of different course types, both in terms of length and level, as well as in terms of focus. In addition to defining the field, the text also includes appropriate critical evaluation. Complementary and potentially competing approaches are explored both within the cognitive approach and beyond it. In particular, cognitive linguistics is compared and contrasted with formal approaches including Generative Grammar, formal approaches to semantics, and Relevance Theory.Features:*Exercises at the end of each chapter*Annotated reading list at the end of each chapter*Lively and accessible presentation *Full bibliography*Contains 200 diagrammatic illustrations
Reviews / Votes
Its breadth is unparalleled; the incorporation of exercises is a definite strength as well * Cognitive Linguistics * Its breadth is unparalleled; the incorporation of exercises is a definite strength as well. * Cognitive Linguistics * An extremely valuable introduction to the increasing field of cognitive linguistics. The reader is made familiar with the basic principles that underlie the cognitive enterprise and with the vast range of approaches within this field. * Constructions * The book offers a thorough, well-organized, clearly-written and engaging overview of cognitive linguistics which makes it suitable to serve as a textbook or as a reference tool. * International Cognitive Linguistics Association Website * I whole-heartedly congratulate Evans & Green for their laborious work and, accordingly, recommend it to be used as a textbook ... indispensable reading * LINGUIST list * This massive yet reasonably priced book provides a very useful guide to major parts of the 'cognitive' strand of linguistics and I have no doubt that every cognitive linguist will want it as a reference book. * Times Higher Education Supplement * This book provides a clear, careful and comprehensive introduction to what the authors call the 'cognitive linguistics enterprise', including cognitive semantics and cognitive grammar, synchronic and diachronic approaches, linguistic and socio-cultural perspectives, universal and language specific matters, older topics such as prototype theory, newer ones, such as blending and much more. The approach adopted is problem oriented rather than theory oriented. This means that cognitive, formal and functional approaches are not pitted against each other but are instead pitted against problems that have to be solved. This approach will draw readers into a learning process that will keep them interested in cognitive linguistics well beyond this book. -- Dr Brigitte Nerlich, University of NottinghamMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 244 mm
Width: 172 mm
Weight
1620 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7486-1832-3 (9780748618323)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Professor Vyvyan Evans is an internationally renowned expert on language and communication and has taught at the University of Sussex, Brighton University and Bangor University in the UK. Melanie Green is Lecturer in Linguistics, School of Cognitive and Computing Sciences, University of Sussex
Content
PART I: OVERVIEW OF THE COGNITIVE LINGUISTICS ENTERPRISE; 1. What does it Mean to Know a Language?; 2. The Nature of Cognitive Linguistics: Assumptions and Commitments; 3. Universals and Variation in Language, Thought and Experience; 4. Language in Use: Grammar, Language Change and Acquisition; PART II: COGNITIVE SEMANTICS; Introduction; 5. What is Cognitive Semantics?; 6. Embodiment and Conceptual Structure; 7. The Encyclopaedic View of Meaning; 8. Categorisation and Idealised Cognitive Models; 9. Metaphor and Metonymy; 10. Word Meaning and Radial Categories; 11. Meaning Construction and Mental Spaces; 12. Conceptual Blending; 13. Cognitive Semantics in Context; PART III: COGNITIVE APPROACHES TO GRAMMAR; Introduction; 14. What is a Cognitive Approach to Grammar?; 15. The Conceptual Basis of Grammar; 16. Cognitive Grammar: Word Classes; 17. Cognitive Grammar: Constructions; 18. Cognitive Grammar: Grounding the Clause; 19. Motivating a Construction Grammar; 20. The Architecture of Construction Grammars; 21. Grammaticalisation; 22. Cognitive Approaches to Grammar in Context; PART IV. CONCLUSION; 23. Assessing the Cognitive Linguistics Enterprise.