The Mental Corpus: How Language is Represented in the Mind
By
John R. Taylor (Author)
Paperback
Available / dispatched within 1 - 2 weeks
Quantity
Description
This book presents a radical reconceptualization of the nature of linguistic knowledge. John Taylor challenges the conventional notion that a language can be understood in terms of the interaction of syntax with a lexicon, the second listing the words and the first the rules for combining them. He proposes instead that an individual's knowledge of a language can be thought of as a repository of memories of linguistic experience. Each encounter with the language, he argues, leaves a trace in our minds. We record the forms of utterances, the concepts and interpretations associated with them, and the contexts in which they were heard or seen. Features of incoming language - a word, a phrase, a meaning, a voice quality, an interactional situation - resonate with items already stored. Similarities between stored items give rise to generalizations of varying degrees of certainty and precision, which in turn are able to sanction new and innovative expressions.
John Taylor writes with conviction, clarity, and wit, illustrating every stage of his argument with arresting examples. His account makes a profound and original contribution to understanding the nature of language and the operations of the mind and brain. His book will appeal in equal measure to linguists, philosophers, and cognitive scientists. Tables, Figures
About the Author
John R. Taylor is the author of Linguistic Categorization (3rd edn 2003), Possessives in English (pbk edn 2003); and Cognitive Grammar (2002) all published by OUP.
More Details
- Contributor: John R. Taylor
- Imprint: Oxford University Press
- ISBN13: 9780199290819
- Number of Pages: 330
- Packaged Dimensions: 157x235x18mm
- Packaged Weight: 1
- Format: Paperback
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Release Date: 2014-11-27
- Binding: Paperback / softback
- Biography: John R. Taylor is the author of Linguistic Categorization (3rd edn 2003), Possessives in English (pbk edn 2003); and Cognitive Grammar (2002) all published by OUP.
Delivery Options
Home Delivery
Store Delivery
Free Returns
We hope you are delighted with everything you buy from us. However, if you are not, we will refund or replace your order up to 30 days after purchase. Terms and exclusions apply; find out more from our Returns and Refunds Policy.