Spatial minds : conceptual correlations of spatial prepositions in Hungarian, Croatian and English

Many human experiences are interpreted with the help of spatial concepts, which is why spatial language is prevalent in every aspect of human life. However, to what extent is spatial language connected to spatial conceptualization? Has this conceptualization altered due to global communication and new technologies, becoming more similar across languages? This book investigates the similarities and differences between conceptual and morphological spatial categories in three different languages: namely, Hungarian, Croatian and English. To this end, a set of concepts of nine basic spatial expressions involving the prepositions in, on and at is analyzed both morphologically and psycholinguistically, in order to shed light on their mutual relationship in language and in the mind. The research is presented in a clear and simple manner, making the book accessible to students of linguistics and language enthusiasts, and providing a concise introduction to the basic tenets of various approaches to spatial language. -- Back Cover Table of Contents List of Figures List of Tables List of Abbreviations Preface 1 Prepositions and Space 2 The Nine Spatial Concepts 3 A Case Study in Prepositions 4 A Comparative Morphological Analysis of Hungarian, Croatian and English 5 Results and Discussion 6 Conclusion Appendices References