This volume offers an introduction to cognitive linguistics, written by authors who were engaged in the field from its beginnings. It starts by reviewing these early studies and provides an overview of the sources and conceptual underpinnings of the theory. This is followed by a description of how cognitive linguistics has been (and continues to be) applied in all subcomponents of language study. From the point of view of the history of Linguistics, it presents the evolution of the theory over time in a range of directions, including its view of the nature of Language itself, as well as how it is acquired. The final chapter provides an overview of relatively new approaches, in particular those which are provoking a significant challenge to the generative account.

Introduces cognitive linguistics and its applications Covers the most practiced semantics-based theory field in an accessible manner Is written by highly knowledgeable authors who have been involved in the theory since its early development

Inhalt
Introduction.- 1. Early Investigations.- 2. Conceptual Underpinnings.- 3. Grammar.- 4. Extensions of the Theory.- 5. New Directions.