Rationality and Interpretation

Taking a unique approach which combines sociolinguistics with theoretical linguistics this book presents a view of language and grammar as both a cognitive and socio-cultural phenomena.<br/> <br/>Beginning with Bakhtin's theories of conceptual grammar and lexico-grammar this book encompasses a broad philosophical range engaging with the ideas of key figures such as Bergson Chomsky Derrida and Wittgenstein. Drawing on their work it investigates how language progresses from an inner reflection of the rational mind to develop social and ideological aspects as it interacts with culture. In doing so it shows how identity is unitary and rational at the linguistic core whilst multiple social identities are simultaneously shaped by linguistic differences at the cultural peripheries.<br/> <br/>Encompassing theoretical linguistics cognitive linguistics discourse analysis multilingualism sociolinguistics and semiotics <i>Rationality and Interpretation</i> demonstrates how the different branches of linguistics can complement each other and highlights the socio-cultural influences of language development as well as how language development is shaped by those influences.<br/>