Author Description

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 -