Παρουσίαση/Προβολή
Cognitive semantics: Theory and applications
(63ΓΕ107) - Άννα Πιατά
Περιγραφή Μαθήματος
This course intends to provide basic theoretical and methodological knowledge in the area of cognitive semantics with a certain focus on the relationship between language and cognition.
The topics that will be discussed include frames; categorization and prototypes; polysemy; embodiment; image schemas; conceptual metaphors; conceptual blending; and constructions. While outlining the different concepts in cognitive semantics we will also consider how these apply to the analysis of various linguistic phenomena, as well as to other domains such as lexicography, discourse analysis, and stylistics.
Ημερομηνία δημιουργίας
Κυριακή 28 Φεβρουαρίου 2021
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Course Objectives/Goals
This course aims to offer an overview of basic theories within cognitive semantics. Cognitive semantics provides tools that bring language and cognition together, assuming that language is not separate from other cognitive processes like memory, attention, categorization, social cognition, etc., and that language is influenced by the way the body interacts with the world.
Upon successful completion of the course students are expected to:
- acquire basic theoretical and methodological knowledge in the area of cognitive semantics;
- apply such knowledge to the analysis of linguistic data;
- critically reflect on, and assess, the utility of cognitive semantics for the study of language;
- identify possible applications of cognitive semantics to various domains.
Instructors
Dr. Anna Piata
Email: apiata@enl.uoa.gr
Office hours: Friday 15.00-16.00 (by appointment)
Instructional Methods
The course is offered in the form of lectures, which will be uploaded on e-class together with other learning materials, such as articles and book chapters, online resources, and formative coursework. Students are expected to actively participate through in-class discussions and workshop-style group work during class meetings. Classes will include also take-home assignments in order to facilitate, and monitor, students’ understanding of the topics discussed in class. Students will be assessed on the basis of written and oral assignments. Finally, the course will be evaluated through an evaluation form that will be completed anonymously by the students.
Course Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction to the course.
What is cognitive semantics?
Origin and main assumptions. Our focus in this course.
Week 2
Frames: The semantics of understanding.
The COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION frame.
Core and non-core frame elements.
Applications to lexicography: The case of float.
Week 3
Categorization and prototype theory.
Polysemy as radial structure.
Week 4
Prototype effects in morphology: The case of diminutives.
Prototype effects in syntax: The ditransitive construction.
Applications to L2 learning and teaching.
Week 5
Image schemas: The case of over.
Applications to L2 learning and teaching.
Week 6
Conceptual metaphor theory.
Main tenets. Psycholinguistic evidence.
Week 7
Conceptual metaphors of TIME: Ego-moving vs Time-moving.
Universality and cross-cultural variability.
Affective triggers in time conceptualization.
Week 8
Conceptual metaphor theory and verbal creativity:
The case of poetic metaphor.
Week 9
Critical metaphor theory: The case of political metaphors,
Applications to discourse analysis.
Week 10
Conceptual blending: On TIME again.
Week 11
Construction Grammar: A usage-based model of language.
Week 12
Multimodal constructions: The case of internet memes.
Week 13
Wrap up class.
Bibliography
Required reading:
Croft, W. & Cruse, A. (2004). Cognitive Linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Additional readings:
Cuyckens H. & Zawada B. (2001). Polysemy in Cognitive Linguistics. Amsterdam, NJ: John
Benjamins.
Cuyckens H., Dirven R. & Taylor, J. (2003). Cognitive Approaches to Lexical Semantics.
Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter.
Dabrowska, E. & Divjak, D. (2015). Handbook of Cognitive Linguistics. Berlin: Mouton de
Gruyter.
Fauconnier G. & Turner M. (2002). The Way We Think: Conceptual Blending and the Mind’s
Hidden Complexities. New York: Basic Books.
Geeraerts, D. (2006). Cognitive Linguistics: Basic Readings. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter.
Geeraerts, D., & Cuyckens, H. (2006). Oxford Handbook of Cognitive Linguistics. Oxford:
Oxford University Press.
Goldberg, Adele. (2006). Constructions at Work. New York: Oxford University Press.
Evans, V. & Green, M. (2006). Cognitive Linguistics: An Introduction. New Jersey:
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Evans V., Bergen B. & Zinken J. (eds) (2006). The Cognitive Linguistics Reader. London:
Equinox.
Kövecses Z. (2002). Metaphor: A Practical Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Lakoff G. & Johnson M. (2003). Metaphors We Live By (2nd edition). Chicago: University of
Chicago Press.
Lakoff G. & Johnson, M. (1999). Philosophy in the Flesh: The Embodied Mind and its
Challenge to Western Thought. New York: Basic Books.
Lee, D. (2002). Cognitive Linguistics: An Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press.
Ungerer, F. & Schmid, H-J. (2006). An Introduction to Cognitive Linguistics. London:
Longman.