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A Systems Approach to Language Pedagogy pp 11–21Cite as

Language Acquisition: A Systemic View from Cognitive Linguistics

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Part of the book series: Translational Systems Sciences ((TSS,volume 17))

Abstract

Among the most significant notions of systems thinking are the interaction of the whole and its parts and the emergent properties that are observable in a holistic structure which cannot be reduced to its components. Such notions are fully compatible with the theoretical views of cognitive linguistics, which assumes language as an integrated system of general cognitive abilities. In particular, the usage-based model of cognitive linguistics is a synthesis of categorization and abstraction from actual usages, involving both bottom-up and top-down organizations. The validity of the usage-based account for language acquisition will support a systemic approach to language development, which is further located appropriately in the scientific paradigm of complexity theory as suggested by Larsen-Freeman (Complexity theory: the lessons continue. In: Ortega L, Han Z (eds) Complexity theory and language development. John Benjamins, Amsterdam/Philadelphia, pp 11–50, 2017).

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The usage-based model representation of ring is partly based on the network analysis in Langacker (1991b: 3).

  2. 2.

    The description of the double object constructions reflects the construction grammar analysis by Goldberg (1995).

  3. 3.

    In this regard, see Verspoor (2017) who offers some practical suggestions on second language learning in terms of usage-based model and complexity theory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Kazumi Taniguchi

Authors
  1. Kazumi Taniguchi
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Correspondence to Kazumi Taniguchi .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of British and American Studies, Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, Aichi, Japan and , Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Akira Tajino

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Taniguchi, K. (2019). Language Acquisition: A Systemic View from Cognitive Linguistics. In: Tajino, A. (eds) A Systems Approach to Language Pedagogy. Translational Systems Sciences, vol 17. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6272-9_2

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