Cognitive Linguistics

Author: Croft
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: This book is an introduction to the basic concepts, content, and methods of cognitive linguistics, co-authored by William Croft and A. an Cruse of the University of Manchester. Croft primarily conducts research on linguistic typology and has proposed the theory of Radical Construction Grammar (2001) based on this. Cruse primarily focuses on lexical semantics research and has published influential semantic works such as Lexical Semantics (1986). This book is the result of their combined strengths and collaborative efforts. The content of the book can be divided into three parts: Part one primarily introduces the important concepts and principles of cognitive linguistics research, the second part is about cognitive research on lexical semantics, guided by the idea that meaning is the result of dynamic construal, and the third part is about cognitive research on grammar, based on the assumption that "language knowledge comes from language use." The structure of the book is clear and logical, with the themes discussed in each part and chapter progressing in a step-by-step manner. The main content is guided by two main threads: (1) combining semantic research and pragmatic research to explore the construction process of meaning in the human brain, and (2) syntax and morphology are inseparable; morphemes, words, and syntax form a continuous system of symbolic systems.