Words in the Mind [Paperback]

Jean Aitchison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0631189211 | ISBN-13: 978-0631189213 | Edition: 2

Words in the Mind deals with words, and how humans learn them, remember them, understand them, and find the ones they want. It discusses the structure and content of the human word-store or ‘mental lexicon, with particular reference to the spoken language of native English speakers.

• Discusses the structure and content of the human word-store, or 'mental lexicon'.
  
• Features a highly informative and accessible account of a central area of research.
  
• Incorporates new research on the mental lexicon.
  
• Written by a prominent researcher of the mental lexicon, language change, and the language of the media.

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘This very fine book represents state-of-the-art research in a relatively unconventional easy-to-read frame.’ Language <!--end-->

‘If you want to find out about the current state of knowledge concerning language in the brain with the least possible pain, then read this friendly book.’ David Crystal, English Today

Book Description

This book deals with words, and how humans learn them, remember them, understand them, and find the ones they want. It discusses the structure and content of the human word-store or 'mental lexicon' with particular reference to the spoken language of native English speakers. Since the first two editions of Words in the Mind were published, work on the lexicon has exploded. This is reflected in this new edition, which contains substantial additions. One new chapter has been added on layering and meaning change, and several others have been considerably expanded. The notes and suggestions for further reading have been updated, and numerous new references have been included. The book remains accessible in style and easy to read for both undergraduates and non-specialists. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (September 28, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631189211
• ISBN-13: 978-0631189213
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,034,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very complex topic illustrated in a simple to understand way, March 17, 2010

By 

Artybecca (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words in the Mind: An Introduction to the Mental Lexicon (Paperback)

We've all had the "the word is on the tip of the tongue but I just can't think of it" experience. This book explains the search for understanding of what exactly is going on in your brain as it learns, stores, and selects words from the huge dictionary in your head. The author takes you through the research in a methodical way, raising and then "testing" various theories, explaining them all in very easy to understand language. As you read it, you'll recognize many of your own slips of the tongue and gain a new understanding of how and why they happen.

1 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review, July 1, 2003

By 

Seán O'Neill (Dublin, Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words in the Mind: An Introduction to the Mental Lexicon (Paperback)

An amazing book which reveals many truths about the mind. Witty in its demeanour the book is deeper than most philosophies. Help wanted, inquire within.