An Introduction to Word Grammar
An Introduction to Word Grammar
Word grammar is a theory of language structure and is based on the assumption that language, and indeed the whole of knowledge, is a network, and that virtually all of knowledge is learned. It combines the psychological insights of cognitive linguistics with the rigour of more formal theories. This textbook spans a broad range of topics from prototypes, activation and default inheritance to the details of syntactic, morphological and semantic structure. It introduces elementary ideas from cognitive science and uses them to explain the structure of language including a survey of English grammar.
- Original book structure allows readers to choose different routes depending on their level of knowledge
- Each chapter uses examples and diagrams to enhance understanding
- Online material supports both instructors and students, providing practical exercises and short texts for students to analyse
Reviews & endorsements
'Masterfully written and meticulously organised, Richard Hudson's book describes how general principles of categorization and cognitive processing give rise to the network structure of language, and English grammar in particular. This is essential and accessible reading for anyone interested in the induction, generalization and organization of language in the mind.' Peter Robinson, Aoyama Gakuin University
Product details
September 2010Hardback
9780521896900
348 pages
254 × 180 × 21 mm
0.83kg
106 b/w illus. 12 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- Part I. How the Mind Works:
- 1. Introduction to cognitive science
- 2. Categorization
- 3. Network structure
- 4. Network activity
- Part II. How Language Works:
- 5. Introduction to linguistics
- 6. Words as concepts
- 7. Syntax
- 8. Using and learning language
- Part III. How English Works:
- 9. Introduction to English linguistics
- 10. English words
- 11. English syntax.
