Main Currents of Categorization Theory: Psycholinguistic Perspectives within Semantics

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Drama, Anthologies
Cover of the book Main Currents of Categorization Theory: Psycholinguistic Perspectives within Semantics by Christian Kuhn, GRIN Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Christian Kuhn ISBN: 9783638203616
Publisher: GRIN Publishing Publication: July 10, 2003
Imprint: GRIN Publishing Language: English
Author: Christian Kuhn
ISBN: 9783638203616
Publisher: GRIN Publishing
Publication: July 10, 2003
Imprint: GRIN Publishing
Language: English

Seminar paper from the year 2003 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 1- (A-), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg (Institute for Foreign Language Philology), course: Perspectives in Semantic Theory, 9 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: From the beginning of arts subject in the ancient Greece to modern cognitive science, scholars have been seeking to discover the nature of the relationship between language and thought. This relationship and the basic processes that underlie reason phenomena in general are today called cognitions. Modern cognitive science consists of an interdisciplinary ensemble of various subjects. Findings from the research for artificial intelligence, results of cognitive psychology, neurophysiology, philosophy, and finally linguistics contribute to a better understanding of any type of mental information processing. As language is said to be among the most characteristic human cognitive activities (see LAKOFF, 1987, p 113; see also BIRBAUMER, 1999, p 675), one aim of this work is to show in what respect linguistic findings are crucial to the aims of cognitive science. For this purpose I will discuss theories around the concept of categorization which is relevant for the traditional linguistic field of semantics, and also applicable to cognitive psychology and furthermore to psycholinguistics. The categorization approach seems to allow explanation for the communicative functions of language and how humans organize knowledge in general. It seems that: 'Categorization is everywhere. Life is full of decisions and every choice involves a selection between a variety of competing options. These choices are guided by the category structure (...), both in language as elsewhere in cognition.' (CORRIGAN et al., 1989, p 195) The process of categorization means that we unconsciously group together every sensory input to meaningful categories. That is, we economically organize the mental representations of the outer world. From the beginning to the late 1970s and again during the 80s cognitive approaches of psychologists and linguists by the name of e.g. ELEANOR ROSCH, HILARY PUTNAM, and not too long ago GEORGE LAKOFF challenged the classical view of how humans organize knowledge while performing language. Whereas their ideas mainly provided a more integrated view of meaning within language at first, these scholars and especially LAKOFF contributed to a more detailed understanding of the fundamental human ability of categorization. Via the outline of the main currents in categorization theory, my argumentation will lead to emphasising psycholinguistic perspectives in semantic theory, as at least LAKOFF's approach may represent a theoretical basis for neuropsychological studies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Seminar paper from the year 2003 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 1- (A-), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg (Institute for Foreign Language Philology), course: Perspectives in Semantic Theory, 9 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: From the beginning of arts subject in the ancient Greece to modern cognitive science, scholars have been seeking to discover the nature of the relationship between language and thought. This relationship and the basic processes that underlie reason phenomena in general are today called cognitions. Modern cognitive science consists of an interdisciplinary ensemble of various subjects. Findings from the research for artificial intelligence, results of cognitive psychology, neurophysiology, philosophy, and finally linguistics contribute to a better understanding of any type of mental information processing. As language is said to be among the most characteristic human cognitive activities (see LAKOFF, 1987, p 113; see also BIRBAUMER, 1999, p 675), one aim of this work is to show in what respect linguistic findings are crucial to the aims of cognitive science. For this purpose I will discuss theories around the concept of categorization which is relevant for the traditional linguistic field of semantics, and also applicable to cognitive psychology and furthermore to psycholinguistics. The categorization approach seems to allow explanation for the communicative functions of language and how humans organize knowledge in general. It seems that: 'Categorization is everywhere. Life is full of decisions and every choice involves a selection between a variety of competing options. These choices are guided by the category structure (...), both in language as elsewhere in cognition.' (CORRIGAN et al., 1989, p 195) The process of categorization means that we unconsciously group together every sensory input to meaningful categories. That is, we economically organize the mental representations of the outer world. From the beginning to the late 1970s and again during the 80s cognitive approaches of psychologists and linguists by the name of e.g. ELEANOR ROSCH, HILARY PUTNAM, and not too long ago GEORGE LAKOFF challenged the classical view of how humans organize knowledge while performing language. Whereas their ideas mainly provided a more integrated view of meaning within language at first, these scholars and especially LAKOFF contributed to a more detailed understanding of the fundamental human ability of categorization. Via the outline of the main currents in categorization theory, my argumentation will lead to emphasising psycholinguistic perspectives in semantic theory, as at least LAKOFF's approach may represent a theoretical basis for neuropsychological studies.

More books from GRIN Publishing

Cover of the book Supply Chain Performance Measurement & E-Business Supply Chain Management: Including a Practical Excursus on the Intel Case by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Propaganda and censorship in Gulf War I by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Concepts of Manhood in Victorian Melodrama by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Review of Human Behavior Research by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Multiple Iago - The Character and Motives of Iago in Shakespeare's Othello by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Vampirism. An Evolution from Myth to Societal Hype by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Is the rise of radical Islam a response to authoritarian rule? by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Genesis of modern genocide by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Australian English: A Variety of British English? by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Variety of love in Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Detective Mystery in the School Story - The Example of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Iraq against the United States of America (events 2003-2004) by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Life-Cycle Investing by Christian Kuhn
Cover of the book Assessment of the internal environment of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. by Christian Kuhn
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy