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There are fewer distinctions in any language than there are distinct things in the universe. If, therefore, languages are ways of representing the universe, a primary function of their elements must be to allow the much more varied kinds of elements out of which the universe is made to be categorized in specific ways. A prototype approach to linguistic categories is a particular way of answering the question of how this categorization operates. It involves two claims. First, that linguistic categorization exploits principles that are not specific to language but characterize most, if not all, processes of cognition. Secondly, that a basic principle by which cognitive and linguistic categories are organized is the prototype principle, which assigns elements to a category not because they exemplify properties that are absolutely required of each one of its members, but because they exhibit, in varying degrees, certain types of similarity with a particular category member which has been established as the best example (or: prototype) of its kind.
The development of the prototype approach into a satisfactory body of theory obviously requires both that its empirical base be enriched, and that its conceptual foundations be clarified. These are the areas where this volume, in its 26 essays, makes original contributions. The first two parts contain discussions in which various kinds of linguistic phenomena are analysed in ways that make essential use of prototype notions. The last two parts contain discussions in which prototype notions themselves become the object, rather than the instrument, of analytical scrutiny.
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ROUTLEDGE LIBRARY EDITIONS: LINGUISTICS Volume 20 M EANINGS A N D PROTOTYPES 7KLV SDJH LQWHQWLRQDOO\ OHIW EODQN MEANINGS AND PROTOTYPES Studies in linguistic categorization Edited by S. L. TSOHATZIDIS RRoutledge Taylor &. Francis Group LONDON AND NEW YORK First published in 1990 This edition first published in 2014 by Routledge 2 Park Square, M ilton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4R N Simultaneously published in the USA and C anada by Routledge 711 Third Avenue, New York, N Y 10017 Routledge is an imprint o f the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business © 1990 Selection and editorial matter, Savas Tsohatzidis; 1990 individual chapters, the respective authors All rights reserved. N o part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be tradem arks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation w ithout intent to infringe. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN: 978-0-415-64438-9 (Set) eISBN: 978-0-203-07902-7 (Set) ISBN: 978-0-415-72373-2 (Volume 20) eISBN: 978-1-315-85739-8 (Volume 20) Publisher’s Note The publisher has gone to great lengths to ensure the quality of this reprint but points out that some imperfections in the original copies may be apparent. Disclaimer The publisher has m ade every effort to trace copyright holders and would welcome correspondence from those they have been unable to trace. Meanings and Prototypes Studies in linguistic categorization edited by S. L. Tsohatzidis ROUTLEDGE i London and New York First published 1990 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge a division of Routledge, Chapman and Hall, Inc. 29 West 35th Street, New Yo