Formulate ten key statements that characterise the cognitive approach in
Linguistics and support them with your comments.
1. Autonomous linguistic mechanism:
Statement: In the cognitive approach, Chomsky proposes an autonomous linguistic mechanism linked to logical forms. Comment: This suggests that language processing involves a distinct mechanism independent of broader cognitive processes. 2. Dependence on conceptual system (principles-and-parameters model): Statement: Cognitive linguistics contends that linguistic forms depend on meanings in the conceptual system. Comment: The interconnectedness of language and thought implies that linguistic structures are intricately tied to cognitive concepts. 3. Iconic nature of language: Statement: Cognitive linguistics asserts that the organization of language is iconic to the organization of thought. Comment: This implies a parallelism between linguistic structures and cognitive processes, where language mirrors thought patterns. 4. Central issue of human interaction in communicative Linguistics: Statement: Communicative linguistics considers factors influencing language use in human interaction as a central issue. Comment: This paradigm shifts focus to the dynamic nature of language in real-world communication contexts. 5. Consideration of speaker factors: Statement: Communicative linguistics posits that various factors, including the speaker's intention, age, gender, and societal status, influence language use. Comment: Recognizing the role of speaker-related elements highlights the multifaceted nature of language in interpersonal communication. 6. Metaphors as cognitive foundations Metaphors play a foundational role in cognition, shaping how we understand and conceptualize abstract concepts through familiar, experiential domains. Comment: Metaphors serve as cognitive building blocks, facilitating the understanding of complex ideas by grounding them in more tangible and relatable experiences. 7. Orientational metaphors are pervasive: Many fundamental concepts are organized using spatialization metaphors, such as "HAPPY IS UP" or "MORE IS UP," reflecting the deep integration of spatial orientation in our cognitive processes. Comment: The prevalence of spatial metaphors underscores the significance of spatial orientation in structuring our conceptual systems. 8. Internal and external systematicity: Spatialization metaphors exhibit internal systematicity, forming coherent systems within themselves. Additionally, there is external systematicity among various metaphors, contributing to overall coherence in conceptual systems. Comment: The internal coherence of metaphors and their alignment across different concepts highlight the systematic nature of cognitive organization. 9. Experiential basis of metaphors: Metaphors are rooted in physical and cultural experiences, and their selection is influenced by cultural coherence. The experiential basis is crucial for metaphors to serve as effective vehicles for understanding. Comment: The integration of experiential bases into metaphors emphasizes the inseparable link between our experiences and the conceptual structures we create. 10.Influence of context on Linguistic meaning: Statement: Communicative linguistics hypothesizes that the meaning of a linguistic unit is influenced by the context in which it is used. Comment: This acknowledges the contextual nuances that shape the interpretation of linguistic elements in communication.
(Cognitive Linguistics Research, Vol. 47) Margaret E. Winters, Heli Tissari, Kathryn Allan-Historical Cognitive Linguistics-De Gruyter Mouton (2010) PDF
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