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Cognitive LinguisticsA Complete Guide, 3rd edition

By Vyvyan Evans

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£150.00

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Published 31 March 2027

About this book

The authoritative general introduction to cognitive linguistics

This third edition features:

  • 34 full revised chapters in five coherent parts, including new chapters on research methods; applying cognitive linguistics to foreign language learning; multimodality and cognitive semiotics; and interdisciplinary integration, AI, and LLMs
  • Real world examples, practice exercises, discussion questions, annotated reading lists and summaries at the end of each chapter (including a selection of model answers for instructors)
  • A glossary of key terms and over 200 tables and figures to clearly demonstrate key concepts, data and ideas
  • Critical evaluation and reflection on the latest developments and interdisciplinary applications shaping contemporary research 

Now in its third edition, Cognitive Linguistics: A Complete Guide by Vyvyan Evans remains the definitive introduction to one of the most dynamic fields in language study. Blending clarity, depth, and intellectual ambition, Evans guides readers through the relationship between language, mind, meaning and human experience with unmatched authority and accessibility.

The book covers all aspects of the relationship between language and mind, as well as applications and extensions of cognitive linguistics to the study of text, literature, discourse, society and language learning. This new edition expands the scope of the book with four entirely new chapters exploring emerging debates, interdisciplinary applications, and cutting-edge developments shaping contemporary cognitive linguistics. From conceptual structure and metaphor to grammar, discourse, and cognition, every chapter has been revised to reflect the latest research and theoretical advances. Rich with critical insights, case studies, exercises, discussion questions, suggestions for further reading, a glossary, and over 200 tables and figures, the book is ideal for students taking courses in Cognitive Linguistics; Cognitive Semantics; Cognitive Approaches to Grammar or to Conceptual Structure and Mind, as well as courses on Language and Mind and Psychology of Language.

Comprehensive yet engaging, this landmark volume offers the most complete and up-to-date roadmap to the cognitive linguistic enterprise available today. Essential reading for anyone exploring language, meaning, and cognition.

Table of contents

Preface
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Abbreviations

Part I: The Cognitive Linguistics Enterprise
1. What do cognitive linguists study?
2. Key commitments
3. Research methods (new chapter)
4. Foundations of experience I: space
5. Foundations of experience II: time
6. Language in use I: knowledge of language
7. Language in use II: language change, and acquisition
8. Key topics in language science: Formal versus cognitive linguistics

Part II: Conceptual Structure
9. What is a cognitive linguistics approach to conceptual structure?
10. Image schemas and the origin of concepts
11. Cognitive Semantics
12. Categorisation and idealised cognitive models
13. Conceptual metaphor theory
14. Primary metaphors and conceptual metonymy

Part III: Semantic Structure
15. What is a cognitive linguistics approach to semantic structure?
16. The encyclopaedic approach to semantic structure I: overview
17. The encyclopaedic approach to semantic structure II: two theories
18. Network approaches to semantic structure
19. Access semantics and meaning construction
20. Mental spaces and discourse meaning
21. Conceptual blending and semantic creativity

Part IV: Grammar
22. What is a cognitive linguistics approach to grammar?
23. Cognitive Grammar I: lexical classes
24. Cognitive Grammar II: constructions
25. Cognitive Grammar III: the verb string
26. Construction Grammar I: accounting for irregularity in grammar
27. Construction Grammar II: accounting for generalisations in grammar
28. The evolution of grammar

Part V: Applications and Extensions of Cognitive Linguistics
29. Language, society and discourse
30. Text, narrative and literature
31. Gesture and sign language
32. Applying cognitive linguistics to foreign language learning (new chapter)
33. Multimodality and cognitive semiotics: the case of the Emoji code (new chapter)
34. Future directions: interdisciplinary integration, AI and LLMs (new chapter)


References
Index

About the author

Vyvyan Evans

Dr. Vyvyan Evans is an internationally renowned expert on language, mind, and digital communication. A native of the ancient Roman cathedral city of Chester, England, he holds an MA in Linguistics from the University of Florida and a PhD in linguistics from Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. He has lived and worked extensively in Asia, Europe, and North America as a Professor of Linguistics and taught at several universities in the US and UK.

He has published numerous acclaimed popular science and technical books on language and linguistics. His popular science essays and articles have been featured in numerous venues, ranging from The Guardian to Psychology Today, from the New York Post to New Scientist, from Newsweek to The New Republic.

His award-winning writing focuses, in one way or another, on the nature of language and mind, the impact of technology on language, and the future of communication. His published science fiction work explores the status of language and digital communication technology as potential weapons of mass destruction. ​

Dr. Evans consults to a wide range of tech companies on the nature of language and the future of communication, and undertakes research, LLM training, and leads educational and PR campaigns on behalf of corporate clients.