Psycholinguistics: An Introduction to Research and Theory - Hardcover

H. Hoermann

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3540904174 ISBN 13: 9783540904175

Publisher: Springer Verlag

Synopsis

I have attempted to make a virtue out of this necessity. In this book the reader will be obliged to change his standpoint again and again; he will be asked to view the subject from different angles and, at the same time, to take note of these changes. I am attempting to familiarize the reader with the field of psycholinguistics by making him aware of the fact that research results are dependent upon particular viewpoints, that each viewpoint is based upon certain assumptions, and that each has its own limitations. If this book succeeds in its purpose, these maneuvers, the obstacles in the way, the bridging operations needed, the sight of the barren stretches as well as of exciting perspectives should fit together to form a cognitive map of psycholinguistics. But even if it is possible to open up the territory to the reader, he will soon discover that, in this map, the unknown and explored areas are very unevenly distributed. It is impossible to consider the psychology of language without taking into account certain philosophical points of view. Yet, to do so is ex­ tremely difficult. Without a philosophical orientation one cannot appre­ ciate the limitations imposed by historical origins, nor can one understand the full implications of the given point of view. But these philosophical aspects cannot be presented in advance, as a separate introduction, because they form part of the psychological arguments which, at the same time, presuppose some familiarity with philosophy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3540904174
• ISBN 13: 9783540904175
• Binding: Hardcover