A Cognitive Approach to Genericity in Norwegian

This book explores the cognitive approach to genericity in Norwegian, using surveys and a corpus of generic texts to analyze how people speak about kinds and animals. It finds that using a plural noun form to express genericity is not always necessary.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Uniwersytet Jagiellonski, Wydawnictwo

The study presented in this book takes a cognitive approach to exploring genericity in Norwegian. It encompasses a comprehensive examination of three data sets: two surveys and a specialized corpus of generic texts. To conduct this study, both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed, allowing for a thorough exploration of genericity in the Norwegian language.

The surveys were analyzed using selected cognitive models, while statistical tests were applied to the corpus of generic texts. By combining these approaches, the researchers were able to obtain a comprehensive understanding of genericity in Norwegian.

One of the key findings of the study is that the use of plural noun forms is not always necessary to express genericity in Norwegian. In some cases, singular noun forms can be used effectively to convey generic meanings. This is particularly evident in the context of animals, where singular noun forms are commonly used to refer to different species or breeds.

For example, when referring to dogs, the singular noun form "hund" is used, rather than the plural noun form "hunder." Similarly, when discussing cows, the singular noun form "koe" is employed, rather than the plural noun form "koner." This usage reflects the fact that dogs and cows are considered distinct species or breeds, and therefore, singular noun forms are more appropriate to represent them.

However, it is important to note that the use of singular noun forms for generic purposes is not without its exceptions. In certain situations, plural noun forms may be necessary to convey a generic sense. For instance, when referring to a group of animals of different species or breeds, the plural noun form may be used to emphasize the diversity of the group.

In conclusion, the study presented in this book provides valuable insights into the cognitive aspects of genericity in Norwegian. It demonstrates that the use of plural noun forms is not always necessary to express genericity, and that singular noun forms can be used effectively in certain contexts. By exploring the relationship between language and cognition, this study contributes to our understanding of how language shapes our perception and understanding of the world.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 235 x 150 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788323350545