Introduction

Abstract

Cognitive linguistics is a relatively new discipline which is rapidly becoming mainstream and influential, particularly in the area of second language teaching. It embraces a number of closely related theories of language, all of which are based on the following key claims:

• there is no autonomous, special-purpose ‘language acquisition device’ that is responsible for language acquisition and language processing;

• language is ‘usage-based’ in that it is a product of physical interaction with the world;

• a single set of cognitive processes operates across all areas of language, and these processes are involved in other types of knowledge and learning besides language;

• words provide only a limited and imperfect means of expression;

• language is inherently meaningful although grammatical meanings are more abstract than lexical meanings.