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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.

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