An Introduction to Cognitive Linguistics

About this book

Cognitive linguists share the belief that language is based in our experience of the world. Although scientific in its claims, cognitive linguistics appeals to the intuitive feeling that our ability to use language is closely related to what goes on in our minds when we look at the things and situations around us and form mental images of them. This book provides a basic and intelligible introduction to all the major issues in the field, including impor-tant recent developments such as conceptual blending.

Contents

Introduction

1. Prototypes and Categories
2. Levels of categorization
3. Conceptual metaphors and metonymies
4. Figure and ground
5. Frames and constructions
6. Blending and relevance
7. Other issues in cognitive linguistics

Conclusion

Customer Reviews

Biography

Friedrich Ungerer is Professor of English Linguistics at the University of Rostock, Germany, but also has a background in applied linguistics and language teaching. Hans-Jörg Schmid is Professor of Modern English Linguistics at the University of Munich, where he is currently initiating the foundation of an Interdisciplinary Centre for Cognitive Language Studies. Both authors have published extensively in the field.