Referring in Language

Referential expressions include terms such as determiners, proper names, noun phrases, pronouns, and all other expressions that we use to make reference to things, beings, or events. The first of its kind, this book presents a detailed, integrated account of typical and atypical uses of referential expressions, combining insights from discourse, cognitive, and psycholinguistic literature within a functional model of language. It first establishes a foundation for reference, including an overview of key influences in the study of reference, the debates surrounding (in)definiteness, and a functional description of referring expressions. It then draws on a variety of approaches to provide a comprehensive explanation of atypical uses, including referring in an uncollaborative context, indefinite expressions used for definite reference, reference by and for children, and finally metonymic reference with a special focus on metonymy in medical contexts. Comprehensive in scope, it is essential reading for academic researchers in syntax, discourse analysis, and cognitive linguistics.

• Develops an accessible progression from the foundations of reference to typical uses of reference leading to a detailed analysis of atypical, or unconventional and creative, uses of referring expressions
• Provides real-life examples of typical and atypical uses of referring expressions, for example from professional journalistic writing, children's literature, legal discourse, and medical contexts
• Offers an integrated approach to reference that combines lexico-grammatical description and cognitive-functional perspectives with insights from psycholinguistics