This book presents a radical reconceptualization of the nature of linguistic knowledge. John Taylor challenges the conventional notion that a language can be understood in terms of the interaction of syntax with a lexicon, the second listing the words and the first the rules for combining them. He proposes instead that an individual's knowledge of a language can be thought of as a repository of memories of linguistic experience. Each encounter with the language, he argues, leaves a trace in our minds. We record the forms of utterances, the concepts and interpretations associated with them, and the contexts in which they were heard or seen. Features of incoming language - a word, a phrase, a meaning, a voice quality, an interactional situation - resonate with items already stored. Similarities between stored items give rise to generalizations of varying degrees of certainty and precision, which in turn are able to sanction new and innovative expressions. John Taylor writes with conviction, clarity, and wit, illustrating every stage of his argument with arresting examples. His account makes a profound and original contribution to understanding the nature of language and the operations of the mind and brain. His book will appeal in equal measure to linguists, philosophers, and cognitive scientists.

About the Author
John R. Taylor is the author of Linguistic Categorization (3rd edn 2003), Possessives in English (pbk edn 2003); and Cognitive Grammar (2002) all published by OUP.

Reviews
[T]his book is a well-written, accessible, and often compelling account of a very exciting new view of language. Researchers and theoreticians in many areas of Applied Linguistics will find a wealth of ideas brought together in a stimulating and coherent (if occasionally under-specified) way, and students will benefit from the lively discussion and counterpoint Taylor offers of some of the key topics in this field. * Peter Thwaites, British Association for Applied Linguistics15/01/2016 *
a cornerstone reference for years to come. * Martin Hilpert, Functions of Language *
This is a very nicely written, accessible, and up-to-date useful introduction and overview on the idea of a "mental corpus". Our students love it and it is very helpful for our general intros to cognitive linguistics and construction grammar. I hope this will spark lots of new and exciting term papers, BA and MA theses! * Alexander Bergs, Osnabrueck University *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199290819
Author John R. Taylor
Format Paperback
Page Count 330
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 500g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 157mm * 18mm