Cognitive Linguistics 3201-1KOG
The course offers an introduction to a contemporary linguistic theory called cognitive linguistics. This model assumes that semantics, syntax, morphology and phonology constitute a continuum without any fixed borders. This means that grammar cannot exist without meaning (semantics), and the other way round.
This is contrary to what has been assumed and voiced by generative linguistics (e.g., N. Chomsky) over the decades. In cognitive linguistics, semantics occupies a prominent position among other domains. It deals with an analysis and description of conceptual structure. It reflects our ability to conceptualize the same situation in alternate ways.
The course covers the most important aspects of linguistic analysis conducted by way of tools and research methods developed by numerous researchers over the last 30 years (e.g., R. Langacker, G. Lakoff, J. Taylor, V. Evans). Exemplary analyses concern the category of noun, as well as kinds of nouns. They rely on authentic usage cases. Moreover, exemplary analyses focusing on verbs, adjectives, adverbs and prepositions will be carried out. In compliance with the foundations of cognitive theory, prototype effects (best exemplars of a given category) will be focused on. The grammatical constructions under analysis will undergo detailed examination from the semantic angle. Non-literary (metaphorical) language will constitute an important part of these deliberations.
The student’s time involvement:
30 hrs. – class attendance
30 hrs. – individual work:
i.e. ongoing class revision and written homework (20 hrs.), presentation preparation (10 hrs.)
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course the student can:
- identify grammatical categories of key expressions
- carry out an analysis of simple and complex expressions, phrases and sentences
- show causes of semantic differences between similar expressions
- indicate causes of the ungrammaticality of expressions
- differentiate types of metaphor and metonymy
- justify the choice of a particular expression in a given context
Assessment criteria
- attendance (2 absences unaccounted for allowed; more absences - lowered grade)
- participation in class discussion
Course credit/ grade (1st round):
- written homework (300-400 words) (30% of final grade)
elaboration of one of the topics discussed in class, case study; timely submission
- oral class presentation (70% of final grade)
detailed analysis of a selected topic; presented as scheduled
Course credit/ grade (2nd round):
- the same as in the 1st round
Practical placement
Not applicable.
Bibliography
Evans, Vyvyan and Melanie Green. 2006. Cognitive Linguistics: An Introduction. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Lakoff, George. 1980. Metaphors We Live by. Chicago: Chicago UNiversity Press.
Rosch, E. H. 1978. “Principles of categorization.” In Eleanor Rosch and Barbara B. Lloyd, eds., Cognition and Categorization, 27-48. Hillsdale, N. J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers.
Taylor, John. 2010. Linguistic Categorization. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Ungerer, Friedrich & Hans-Jörg Schmid. 1999. An Introduction to Cognitive Linguistics. London & New York: Longman.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: