Frequency in Language: Memory, Attention and Learning

Cognitive linguists are committed to providing a characterization of the general principles governing all aspects of human language that is informed by brain and mind research. This study integrates research findings from across the cognitive sciences to challenge the interpretation of frequency in usage-based linguistics and develop a cognitively more accurate theoretical account of language.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 341 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Cognitive linguists are deeply committed to elucidating the fundamental principles that govern all aspects of human language in a manner that is informed by and aligned with knowledge gained from other disciplines, particularly the fields of brain and mind research. However, the realm of cognition holds significant relevance for theories of language. What insights can we gain from cognitive sciences to enhance our understanding of language? How can we incorporate cognitive reality into our descriptive practices and advance linguistic theorizing? This groundbreaking study brings together research findings from various cognitive sciences to challenge prevailing interpretations of frequency in usage-based linguistics. It addresses the core questions of why frequency of experience exerts the specific effects on language development, structure, and representation, and explores the potential role of psychological and neurological explorations of fundamental cognitive processes in developing a cognitively more accurate theoretical account of language.

The study begins by examining the cognitive mechanisms underlying language acquisition and usage. It explores how exposure to language shapes cognitive processes, such as attention, memory, and perception. By integrating insights from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics, the study sheds light on the ways in which language interacts with these cognitive systems.

One of the key findings of the study is that frequency of experience plays a crucial role in language development. The more frequently a word or phrase is encountered, the more easily it is stored in memory and retrieved during communication. This phenomenon is known as the frequency effect, and it has significant implications for language structure and representation.

The study also examines the relationship between language and mental representations. It suggests that language is not just a means of communication but also a tool for organizing and structuring information. Words and phrases carry meaning and can be used to represent complex concepts and relationships. The study explores how cognitive processes, such as categorization and conceptualization, contribute to the formation of mental representations and how these representations shape language usage.

Furthermore, the study investigates the role of cognitive biases and heuristics in language processing. It explores how our cognitive limitations and assumptions can influence our interpretation of language and how these biases can lead to misunderstandings and errors. By recognizing and addressing these biases, cognitive linguists can develop more accurate and nuanced theories of language.

In conclusion, this unique study integrates research findings from across the cognitive sciences to generate insights that challenge the way in which frequency has been interpreted in usage-based linguistics. It answers the fundamental questions of why frequency of experience has the effect it has on language development, structure, and representation, and what role psychological and neurological explorations of core cognitive processes can play in developing a cognitively more accurate theoretical account of language. By integrating cognitive insights into our understanding of language, we can enhance our descriptive practices and advance linguistic theorizing to a new level of sophistication.

ISBN-13: 9781107449978