Language in Cognition

This textbook explores the ways in which language informs the structure and function of the human mind, offering a point of entry into the fascinating territory of cognitive science. Focusing mainly on syntactic issues, Language in Cognition is a unique contribution to this burgeoning field of study. Guides undergraduate students through the core questions of linguistics and cognitive science, and provides tools that will help them think about the field in a structured way Uses the study of language and how language informs the structure and function of the human mind to introduce the major ideas in modern cognitive science, including its history and controversies Explores questions such as: what does it mean to say that linguistics is part of the cognitive sciences; how do the core properties of language compare with the core properties of other human cognitive abilities such as vision, music, mathematics, and other mental building blocks; and what is the relationship between language and thought? Includes an indispensable study guide as well as extensive references to encourage further independent study

This textbook explores the ways in which language informs thestructure and function of the human mind, offering a point ofentry into the fascinating territory of cognitive science. Focusingmainly on syntactic issues, Language in Cognition is aunique contribution to this burgeoning field of study.* Guides undergraduate students through the core questions oflinguistics and cognitive science, and provides tools that willhelp them think about the field in a structured way* Uses the study of language and how language informs thestructure and function of the human mind to introduce the majorideas in modern cognitive science, including its history andcontroversies* Explores questions such as: what does it mean to say thatlinguistics is part of the cognitive sciences; how do the coreproperties of language compare with the core properties of otherhuman cognitive abilities such as vision, music, mathematics, andother mental building blocks; and what is the relationship betweenlanguage and thought?* Includes an indispensable study guide as well as extensivereferences to encourage further independent study

Acknowledgments viiiPrologue xiPart I Ever Since Chomsky 11 Mind Matters: Chomsky's Dangerous Idea 32 The Mechanization of the Mind Picture 143 How the Mind Grows: From Meno to Noam 41Part II Unweaving the Sentence 554 Mental Chemistry 575 The Variety of Linguistic Experience: The Towers of Babel and Pisa 826 All Roads Lead to Universal Grammar 95Part III The Mental Foundations of Behavior 1097 Making Sense of Meaning: An Instruction Manual 1118 Wonderful Mental Life: Unthinkable without Language 1209 Grammar Caught in the Act 133Part IV Missing Links 14710 The (Mis)Measure of Mind 14911 Homo Combinans 16312 Computational Organology 173Epilogue 183Notes 189Guide to Further Study 211References 219Index 242