The extent of the literal : metaphor, polysemy, and the theories of concepts

The Extent of the Literal develops a strikingly new approach to metaphor and polysemy in their relation to the conceptual structure. In a straightforward narrative style, the author argues for a reconsideration of standard assumptions concerning the notion of literal meaning and its relation to conceptual structure. She draws on neurophysiological and psychological experimental data in support of a view in which polysemy belongs to the level of words but not to the level of concepts, and thus challenges some seminal work on metaphor and polysemy within cognitive linguistics, lexical semantics and analytical philosophy. The Extent Of The Literal Is Concerned With A Number Of Issues Central To Semantics, Psychology, Cognitive Science And Philosophy. The Author Develops A Striking New Approach To Metaphor And Polysemy, Bringing Into Serious Doubt The Widespread Assumption Of A Literal-metaphorical Distinction In Which For A Large Number Of Words Only One Meaning Is Considered As 'basic' With All Other Meanings Considered As Metaphorical Extensions. She Argues For A 'no Polysemy' View Of Conceptual Structure, So That A Theory Of Word Meaning Does Not Also Have To Be A Theory Of Concepts. Drawing On Experimental Evidence From Psychology And Neuroscience She Challenges Seminal Work On Metaphor And Polysemy Within Cognitive Linguistics, Lexical Semantics And Analytical Philosophy.--book Jacket. 1. Introduction: On The Nature Of The Literal-metaphorical Distinction -- 2. Metaphor In Cognitive Linguistics -- 3. The 'hot' Polysemy -- 4. Across Sensory Modalities -- 5. Double-function Terms -- 6. Double-function Terms Again -- 7. Words And Concepts -- 8. Back To Cognitive Semantics -- 9. Polysemy In Lexical Semantics -- 10. The No-polysemy View: What It Is And What It Is Not -- 11. A Very Short Conclusion. Marina Rakova. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 206-226) And Index. Front Matter....Pages i-x Introduction: On the Nature of the Literal-Metaphorical Distinction....Pages 1-17 Metaphor in Cognitive Linguistics....Pages 18-33 The ‘Hot’ Polysemy....Pages 34-47 Across Sensory Modalities....Pages 48-73 Double-Function Terms....Pages 74-89 Double-Function Terms Again....Pages 90-104 Words and Concepts....Pages 105-108 Back to Cognitive Semantics....Pages 109-117 Polysemy in Lexical Semantics....Pages 118-138 The No-Polysemy View: What It Is and What It Is Not....Pages 139-171 A Very Short Conclusion....Pages 172-173 Back Matter....Pages 174-232 This text develops an approach to metaphor and polysemy in their relation to the conceptual structure. It argues for a reconsideration of some standard assumptions concerning the notion of literal meaning, and presents a new way of thinking about lexical-conceptual relatedness