Cognitive Linguistics: Basic Readings

by Dirk Geeraerts (editor)

Cognitive Basic Readings is specifically designed for an introductory course in Cognitive Linguistics. It brings together twelve foundational articles by leading figures in the field, each of which introduces one of the basic concepts of Cognitive Linguistics, like conceptual metaphor, image schemas, mental spaces, construction grammar, prototypicality and radial sets. The introductory purposes of the collection are supported by an introduction to the theory and, specifically, the practice of Cognitive Linguistics and by trajectories for further reading that start out from the individual chapters. Key Each of the twelve articles introduces one of the basics concepts of the cognitive linguistics Contributions by reknown linguistics (George Lakoff, Ron Langacker, Len Talmy, Gilles Fauconnier, Charles Filmore) and influential younger scholars Specifically designed for an introductory course in cognitive linguistics, currently one of the most broadly appealing and dynamic frameworks for the study of natural language Helps students and beginning researchers through the addition of a general introduction to the theory and, specifically, the practice of cognitive linguistics, and through the specification of trajectories for further reading

Genres: Linguistics, Nonfiction

485 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Dirk Geeraerts holds the chair of theoretical linguistics at the University of Leuven, Belgium. He is the founder of the research unit Quantitative Lexicology and Variational Linguistics (QLVL). His main research interests involve the overlapping fields of lexical semantics, lexicology, and lexicography, with a theoretical focus on cognitive semantics.

His involvement with cognitive linguistics dates from the 1980s, when in his PhD thesis he was one of the first in Europe to explore the possibilities of a prototype-theoretical model of categorization. As the founder of the journal Cognitive Linguistics and as the editor (with Hubert Cuyckens) of the Handbook of Cognitive Linguistics, he played an instrumental role in the international expansion of cognitive linguistics.

Geeraerts is one of the outspoken advocates of the implementation of empirical methodologies, such as corpus linguistics in cognitive linguistic research and also argues for the involvement of more pragmatic elements such as contextual factors that influence the construal of word meanings and the choice of 'names' for concepts and the historical implications these have in relation to etymology and lexicology.

Reviews

[HM Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cognitive Linguistics: Basic Readings," edited by Dirk Geeraerts is a compendium of texts from a myriad of experts in the field of Cognitive Linguistics. The introduction, written by the editor, outlines not only the expected journey one will take within this book but also outlines the logistical side of academia pertaining to Cognitive Linguistics such as journals and conferences. One particular chapter that pertains to my research interests was chapter 3, "Cognitive topology and lexical networks" written by Claudia Brugman and George Lakoff in which the authors attempt to argue that instead of listing the different meanings of polysemous signs (such as words) a better practice is that of a network-style mode of storage that is cognitively real. Their approach involved cognitive topology rather than semantic features, the latter having no inherent meaning for their signs. All of which concerning the English word "over." Regardless of the helpful image-schemas, I do not think that this collection of texts ought to be read as an introductory reader even though it is advertised otherwise because the literature is literature for insiders and often does not cater to outsiders; this is demonstrated by its often impenetrable jargon as shown by the chapter just cited above. In this case, I think that Kroft and Cruse's introduction is a better alternative to introduce an outsider into Cognitive Linguistics so as to help the reader be a welcomed outsider than an ostracized one.

[TheBookinist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention right from the start,faster than my morning coffee ☕📚 The engaging story and well-crafted characters kept me hooked throughout. By the way, do you have a beta reader for your book, or has it been beta read?

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

No shame in 3 stars here. A very serviceable, levelheaded, practical primer.