Concept, Image, and Symbol - (Cognitive Linguistics Research) 2nd Edition by Ronald W Langacker (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This classic research monograph develops and illustrates the theory of linguistic structure known as Cognitive Grammar, and applies it to representative phenomena in English and other languages. Cognitive grammar views language as an integral facet of cognition and claims that grammatical structure cannot be understood or revealingly described independently of semantic considerations. It argues that grammar forms a continuum with the lexicon and is reducible to symbolic relationships (i.e. form-meaning pairings), and consequently that all valid grammatical constructs have some kind of conceptual import. The coherence and descriptive potential of cognitive grammar are exemplified by application to a broad variety of grammatical phenomena drawn from numerous languages.

Review Quotes

"Langacker [...] has been one of the most productive and visible of the cognitive linguistic theorists, and one of the most influential in bringing linguistics as a discipline into line with the compelling work of other cognitive theorists in social science fields."
Eve Sweetser and Patricia Hunt in: Semiotica

"The most coherent and detailed body of research in cognitive linguistics."
H. Stephen Straight and Mathew T. Davidson in: International Studies in Philosophy

About the Author

Ronald W. Langacker, University of California, San Diego, USA.