Introduction to Cognitive Linguistics

This book illustrates the ways that cognitive linguistics, a relatively new paradigm in language studies, can illuminate and facilitate language research and teaching.

Part One: Theoretical Foundations

The first part of the book introduces the basics of cognitive linguistic theory in a way that is geared toward second language teachers and researchers.

Part Two: Applications and Experiments

The second part of the book provides experimental evidence of the usefulness of applying cognitive linguistics to the teaching of English. Included is a thorough review of the existing literature on cognitive linguistic applications to teaching and cognitive linguistic-based experiments.

Original Experiments

Three chapters report original experiments which focus on teaching modals, prepositions and syntactic constructions, elements of English that learners tend to find challenging.

Future Directions

A chapter on “future directions” reports on an innovative analysis of English conditionals.

Pedagogical aids such as diagrams and sample exercises round out this pioneering and innovative text.