The Extent of the Literal: Metaphor, Polysemy and Theories of Concepts

Rakova, M.

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.

Details

Published by: Palgrave Macmillan

Publication Date: 2003-01-01

Format: Paperback

ISBN-10: 9781349508082

ISBN-13: 9781349508082

DOI: 10.1057/9780230512801

Dimensions: 203cm x127cm

Pages: 232