英国留学生dissertation语言学范文：Review of Cognitive Linguistics

Research shows that modern linguistics , cognitive and language are inextricably linked , but the cognitive study of language as an independent discipline is the rise of the late 1970s , the mid-1980s to expand the scope of its research Linguistics in many areas, including syntax, semantics , phonology , discourse analysis. First International Cognitive Linguistics Conference held in Germany in 1989, and the magazine " Cognitive Linguistics " l990 founded , marking the position of cognitive linguistics has been established disciplines . Since then, the development of cognitive linguistics very rapidly, more and more scholars began to study from the perspective of cognitive language .

 现代文字学的研讨表明,认知与语言有着千丝万缕的结合,但语言的认知研讨作为一门独立的学科却是20百年70时代末兴起的,80时代中期往后其研讨范围扩展到达文字学中的很多领域,涵盖句法学、语义塾、音系学、篇和章剖析等。

The basic point of a cognitive linguistics

认知语言学的基本观点

 the product of cognitive linguistics cognitive science development

认知文字学是认知科学进展的产物 

Cognitive Linguistics is part of cognitive science , and cognitive science is a comprehensive science , interdisciplinary from the psychology, linguistics , anthropology , philosophy, computer science and other disciplines composed from many angles to explore thinking mystery. Crystallization of human thinking is language , language is one of humanity's way of expressing ideas and thoughts , is part of the cognitive system is the result of human factors experience , cultural, social , customs and environmental interactions. On one hand using the theory of cognitive linguistics and cognitive science methods to explore the phenomenon of language , on the other hand to reveal the person's cognitive abilities through language phenomenon , the language as part of human cognition overall cognitive processes to grasp.

认知文字学是认知科学的一小批,而认知科学是一门综合科学,由心理学、文字学、人类科学、哲学、计算机科学等多学科组成的交错学科,从多角度来考求思惟的神秘。人的总称思惟的形成晶体是语言,语言是人的总称表现观念和思想的形式之一,是认知系统的一小批,是人的总称体验认识、文化、社会形态、风俗、背景等因素互动的最后结果.

in the category of cognitive linguistics theory

 " Categorization " (categorization) is arguably the most important basic human cognitive activities refer to the process of human evolution to categorize or classify things in the outside world , so the world becomes disorderly orderly , hierarchical category system . This process ( ie, the scope of the process ) is the perception , or is the first part of cognition. Categorization mankind see similarities in everything from vastly different , and accordingly will be able to tell the difference between things that deal with the same category , thus forming concepts. On this basis, human beings can perform more complex cognitive activities, including judgment and reasoning . The occurrence and development of cognition is a process of forming a concept and scope , it is a subject-object interaction with the outside world as a starting point for generic things be divided mental processes [ 1 ] . As Lakoff says: "There is no scope of capabilities, we simply can not play a role in the outside world or the social life and spiritual life ." [ 2 ]

The scope of the phenomenon has aroused early attention of philosophers , Aristotle "category articles" in the system discussed their views , the classic concept of the scope of this category is based on the formation. Since the 1960s , psychology and anthropology research on the traditional classical category made ​​a lot of evidence to the contrary view . Wittgenstein in the " philosophy" of the proposed " family resemblance " [ 3 ] concept. Vickers believes , can not be used to describe a common property of all members of a category , just between the members and the members of the similarities part , and in this connection the overall similarity of the interwoven into the category ; category boundaries is vague and open ; position within the context of each member is unequal.

Vickers "Family Resemblance" denied areas exist between the various members of any common essence , the concept of the classical category launched a strong challenge . Since the 1970s , "Family Resemblance" study was introduced semantic category . Triggered philosophy , psychology , linguistics re-examination of the scope of the problem. Linguist Labov and Rosch has published the results of their experimental study of natural areas , these natural areas have a " family resemblance " called " Prototype " [ 4-6 ] . One belongs to the category of things , not to see if it has the scope of the common characteristics of all members , but to see whether sufficient " family resemblance " between it and its prototype. Huge areas of research development has become an important basis to produce cognitive and linguistic development .

Philosophical basis ( three ) Cognitive Linguistics

Lakoff and Johnson 's commitment and belief in accordance with the philosophy of cognitive science is divided into two factions : the first generation and second-generation cognitive science cognitive science . The first generation of cognitive science produced in the 1950s . Objectivism cognitive concept represents a fundamental point of view of the first generation of cognitive science can be summarized as " all operations involving abstract symbol of rational thinking , these symbols with the outside world only through the statute of things to get the meaning of " [ 7 ] . Thinking only of the mechanical operation of abstract symbols , not human perception system and the motor system constraints . The human mind is a mirror of nature , is the characterization of the internal and external world , to make an objective nature , reflecting mirror . Chomsky's generative linguistics is the first generation of cognitive science in the typical form of the theory of linguistics field.

The second generation of cognitive science appeared in the 1970s , believes that the so-called non- objectivist philosophy , in order to experience the philosophical basis. The second generation of cognitive science resolutely oppose basic idea of the first generation of cognitive science that ignores the objectivist view of human cognition cognitive most important feature that people play a physiological basis in the formation of concepts and language important role. Marxist concept of cognitive experience is mainly reflected in the following aspects [ 8-9 ] : thinking is not out of shape . Concepts, categories , mind from body experiences , concepts that are not derived from experience is the result of the use of metaphor , metonymy and mental imagery. The basic point of view of cognitive linguistics consistent with the second generation of cognitive science. Cognitive linguists believe that language is a part of people 's general cognitive ability , the description must refer to cognitive processes . Grammar , syntax is not independent, but with semantics, vocabulary inseparable. Semantic objective is not only reflected in the external world , but also closely related with people 's subjective understanding is gained through the body and imagination , and this imagination is also not out of shape , because the metaphor , metonymy and mental imagery are based on experience foundation , which is objectivist semantics in stark contrast. " Philosophy is a first-generation and second-generation cognitive science cognitive science watershed divide between the two far-reaching , will enable us to more clearly understand the theory of cognitive science , and will not be confused with the different genres in between ." [ 10 ]

The major schools of cognitive linguistics

Cognitive Linguistics is not a single language theory, but represents a research paradigm , is collectively referred to various cognitive theory of language , which is characterized as the everyday experience of people is the foundation of the language used , focusing on language and interpretation inseparable link between general cognitive ability . These language theory , though not identical , but the basic assumptions held by the language are similar , are recognized to varying degrees on the basic ideas mentioned in the section , but some differences in the discussions and specific linguistic phenomenon of concern. The main theories of cognitive linguistics methods : Fillmore 's frame semantics (Frame Semantics), Langacker 's Cognitive Grammar (Cognitive Grammar), Lakoff and others Cognitive Semantics (Cognitive Semantics).

Frame Semantics

Semantics is an important part of the framework of cognitive linguistics , is a method of semantic and syntactic structure research significance . Fillmore said: " Frame Semantics provides a special way of looking at the words , but also strive to describe the generation of new words in one language and have a new meaning in the words of the increase , or some combination of the significance of each part of the article together, principle to form a sense of the whole article to be followed " [ 11 ] . In frame semantics , the meaning is to describe the framework , the framework is a conceptual system or cognitive structure , to understand the meaning of words, we must first have a conceptual structure that semantic knowledge framework. " A " framework " as a concept in the description of the meaning of language plays a role , with some activation Context is consistent with the scope of a structured system " [ 11 ] . In the famous Fillmore "commercial transaction" framework as an example . The concept of this framework includes: ownership, giving, trading , money. Such a scene graph where elements include : money , goods, buyer, seller . Other elements include : price, time , find the money and so on. Based on these concepts , we can sense a series of words, usage and grammatical structures contrasting descriptions . For example , in English buy, sell, spend, cost, charge, price and so on. If we take a commercial transaction framework combined with other frameworks further , then we can further describe and explain like tip, bribe, fee, honorarium, taxes, tuition this word. Thus , the framework is a very important cognitive structure. Framework for the use of language and the meaning of existence provides the background and motivation. To understand the meaning must be placed in custom frame people's experiences and social culture , the understanding of people's experience with social customs .

cognitive grammar

Langacker Cognitive Grammar is a linguistic theory and research methods, originally called "Space Syntax " (Space Grammar). The theory of grammar study provides a theoretical framework and a description by far the most comprehensive and detailed cognitive linguistics. Cognitive Grammar grammar and language sense of the nature proposed a new theory [ 12 ] :

1 language ability is part of the person's general cognitive ability , so language is not a self-contained system, the language must refer to his general description of cognitive law ;

2 grammatical structure ( or syntax ) does not constitute a form of self-sufficiency level of characterization , which is essentially symbolic, is a symbol of the Statute of the semantic structure of (conventional symbolization);

3 a self-contained part of the syntax is not the language , syntax ( and morphology ) in nature and vocabulary as a symbol of the convention system , semantic parsing can not be separated ;

4 basic truth value used to describe the semantics of formal logic is not enough , not only objective is closely related to the semantic truth conditions , even went to the subjective understanding. Obviously, these basic assumptions generated with the basic assumption Chomsky grammar is diametrically opposed .

Cognitive Grammar believe that only three types of language units : units of speech , semantic units , a symbol of the unit . Voice units and semantic units constitute the poles symbolize the unit, contact between the two poles is a symbol of contact . For example, the English word cat as a symbol of the unit is [[CAT] / [cat]], where uppercase letters represent the semantic pole, lowercase letters represent the voice pole. Symbol of the unit is a combination of sound and meaning , some form on behalf of some significance , and this is a convention of representatives . Various grammatical categories and grammatical structure is a symbol of the unit , the extent of the difference between concrete and abstract only on . Semantic grammar study can not be divorced . Therefore, breaking the vocabulary and cognitive grammar lexical , syntactic boundary that vocabulary, morphology and syntax form a continuum (continuum), a symbol of the relationship can be borrowed on this continuum as exhaustive description . That is a symbol of the relationship between the height of generality makes cognitive grammar can make the unity of the different levels of language interpretation . (C )

Cognitive Semantics

The main representative of cognitive semantics have Lakoff & Johnson, Langacker and Talmy so on. Lakoff & Johnson focuses on the important role of " metaphor " (metaphor) in the semantics and cognitive processes ; Talmy focused on general cognitive ability and specific links between languages ​​; Lakoff published in 1987, Women, Fire, and Dangerous Things laid the foundation disciplines of cognitive semantics . Wikipedia encyclopedia definition of cognitive semantics as: cognitive semantics is part of the cognitive linguistics , it negates the traditional forms of speech linguistics , syntax and pragmatics mode , the semantics considered meaningful cognitive structure representation.

According to Talmy discussion [ 13 ] , cognitive semantics content and organization of research concepts in language . The concept includes not only the content of ideas (ideational) content , but also the emotional , perceptual experience , such as the content . Significance of the structure is conceptualized , that is, the meaning of a word is equal to the hearer of the brain are activated in the concept , and the concept of relevant experience and perception of the world and experience different speakers of the same experience can be conceptualized in different ways . Meaning neither completely objective nor entirely subjective. Significance is considered to be a relationship between the words and the brain , rather than a direct relationship between the words and the world . For example , according to the traditional semantic dictionary " bachelor " means " unmarried adult men ," but in certain cultures, people are semantic concept formation in the brain is not fully consistent with this definition because, like "Monk ," " priests " and other according to the doctrine provides that no marriage. Although the monks, priests in full compliance with the definition of bachelor 's , we hardly call them "The Bachelor ."

Third, the lack of cognitive linguistics at Reflections

Any discipline has its scope, but also has its limitations , like all language theory, cognitive linguistics as well. Cognitive linguistics is the traditional linguistics , especially Chomsky 's transformational generative linguistics reactionary , it makes up for some of the shortcomings of these schools , made ​​many new ideas to explain the language of the theory of language to make a significant development. It also go to the other extreme , a reasonable place to abandon other schools , but we can not expect it to solve all the problems in linguistics . Department of Cognitive Linguistics deficiencies exist , worth further consideration .

Languages ​​of the world and its laws are subject cognitive linguistics , its purpose is to reveal the influence perception of language. We should dialectical view of the relationship between cognition and language. Language awareness is part of the person's overall cognitive processes , but the language with relative independence , it will affect the way people understand the world . For example, for different real-world perception , will lead to a different national language grammatical categories are not the same , it will affect the language user observation, perception the world. English grammar has singular and plural markers , plural nouns after adding -s, singular zero mark without -s. Native speakers of English , the language they use to express themselves , it must conform to the syntax requirements. Over time, it will be the world's attention in cognitive quantitative characteristics of things, so they can not make mistakes in completely the use of singular and plural , and we foreign students are often mistakes in it , because we do not have this number of grammatical category Therefore, when the sense of the world , would not have to pay attention to how much quantity .

Prototype Theory built up on the family resemblance that: there is a central category of meanings , meanings that prototype [ 14 ] , other non-central meanings are extending outward meanings according to the center formed . In one area , especially when there are multiple areas of meanings , how to determine a central meanings ? Should be original meanings of the concept formation , or later central meanings of language development formed in the course ? We can not identify a central meanings is the center meaning , the basic meaning, or original meaning, it can not be said of other members are defined with a prototype entry for extending outward from the center . Each language has a lot of synonyms , they belong to the same category , or is it the same meanings in different areas of the prototype In addition, the language has the same word antisense phenomena such as twilight ( dawn ; also can mean : Twilight )?, Overhear ( overheard ; also can mean : intentional eavesdropping ), sanction ( approval , authorization, support ; also can mean : sanctions prohibit boats out of the port ) . Opposite meanings in the same general category is impossible , then the same word in the language of antisense phenomenon opposite meanings belong to the same category , or different areas ? Prototype Theory seems to have a reasonable explanation has yet been made .

IV Conclusion

Cognitive linguistics is an emerging school of modern linguistics , there are imperfections. But it raises a whole set of its own theoretical system and research methods, the theoretical basis of challenging , and most of the world is gradually being recognized by linguists . With in-depth research , and improve the theoretical system , cognitive linguistics to the language law will be more fully reveals the mystery of human language will be revealed little by little .