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Cognitive Linguistics: Categorization (Prototype (Combines all of the…
Cognitive Linguistics: Categorization
What is categorization
It's a basic cognitive ability that is reflected in all human activity and language
The classic view
categorization are formed
On the basis of necessary
On the sufficient characteristics
Categorization in language
German
Dyirbal
balan: human females, water, fire, fighting
balam: non-flesh food
bayi: human males, animals
bala: body parts, bees, honey
The classic view in linguistics
Linguistic categories
word meanings
are defined by necessary and sufficient features
syntactic word classes
are defined by necessary and sufficient features
Phonemes
are defined by necessary and sufficient features
Word meaning: classic categories
There is no way to determine a meaning apart from comparisons and contrasts with other meanings within the same semantic area.
Man [+human, +adult, +male]
Girl [+human, -adult, +male]
Woman [+human, +adult, -male]
Boy [+human, -adult, +male]
Prototype
Combines all of the typical features
Results from frequent exposure
Best, clearest example of the category
Represents the category as a whole
Categories are organized around prototypes