Cognitive Linguistics

The authoritative general introduction to cognitive linguistics

Vyvyan Evans 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, and society.

Bursting with new content and presented in a new 5-part structure, the book has been fully revised and extensively updated throughout to deliver the complete guide to the cognitive linguistic enterprise. Brand new additions include: an innovative new chapter exploring key topics in language science, a new chapter introducing the range of research methods and approaches for studying human language, mind and behaviour and new chapters exploring areas such as access semantics and meaning construction, conceptual structure, the nature of space, time, gesture and sign language.

Key features include:

• 30 fully revised chapters in five coherent parts, including 7 entirely new chapters


• Discussion questions and annotated reading list at the end of each chapter


• Critical evaluation and reflection on influential cognitive linguistic theories, and how they compare to formal approaches in linguistics and cognitive science


• Over 200 tables and figures to clearly demonstrate key concepts, data and ideas


• An online resource with additional exercises: edinburghuniversitypress.com/cognitivelinguistics

This book is a 'must-read' for anyone interested in pursuing work in Cognitive Linguistics. It provides a comprehensive, in-depth account of all the main work in the area and sets out clear directions for the field. It is written in an accessible style which will make it appeal to students and researchers alike. Its breadth and depth of coverage are unparalleled.