
This Book Provides A Synthesis Of Wierzbicka's Theory Of Meaning, Which Is Based On Conceptual Primitives And Semantic Universals, Using Empirical Findings From A Wide Range Of Languages. While Addressed Primarily To Linguists, The Book Deals With Highly Topical And Controversial Issues Of Central Importance To Several Disciplines, Including Anthropology, Psychology, And Philosophy. -;conceptual Primitives And Semantic Universals Are The Cornerstones Of A Semantic Theory Which Anna Wierzbicka Has Been Developing For Many Years. Semantics: Primes And Universals Is A Major Synthesis Of Her Work, Presenting A Full And Systematic Exposition Of That Theory In A Non-technical And Readable Way. It Delineates A Full Set Of Universal Concepts, As They Have Emerged From Large-scale Investigations Across A Wide Range Of Languages Undertaken By The Author And Her Colleagues. On The Basis Of Empirical Cross-linguistic Studies It Vindicates The Old Notion Of The 'psychic Unity Of Mankind', While At The Same Time Offering A Framework For The Rigorous Description Of Different Languages And Cultures. -;a Major Synthesis Of Anna Wierzbicka's Work -
This book investigates the fundamental question of whether a universal set of conceptual primitives exists that can serve as a common language for describing all human thought and culture. Anna Wierzbicka, a prominent linguist, draws upon decades of empirical cross-linguistic research to argue for the existence of a shared semantic core. She presents a systematic framework that challenges cultural relativism by demonstrating how diverse languages share a common set of basic, irreducible concepts. This work serves as a comprehensive exposition of her long-standing theory regarding the psychic unity of mankind.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the Natural Semantic Metalanguage theory. Readers frequently note the clarity of the prose, which makes complex linguistic concepts accessible to scholars in related fields like anthropology and philosophy.
Page Count:
518
Publication Date:
1996-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press, Uk
ISBN-10:
0191588598
ISBN-13:
9780191588594
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