Reflections on Psycholinguistic Theories: Raiding the Inarticulate

Description

In a work that is part memoir, part monograph, Nigel Duffield offers a set of lyrical reflections on theories of Psycholinguistics, which is concerned with how speakers use the languages they control, as well as with how such control is acquired in the first place. Written for professionals and enthusiastic amateurs alike, this book offers a 'well-tempered' examination of the conceptual and empirical foundations of the field. In developing his ideas, the author draws on thirty years of direct professional experience of psycholinguistic theory and practice, across various sub-disciplines, including theoretical linguistics, cognitive psychology, philosophy, and philology. The author's personal experience as a language learner - more importantly, as the father of three bilingual children - also plays a crucial role in shaping the discussion. Using examples from popular literature, song, poetry, and comedy, the work examines many of the foundational questions that divide researchers from different intellectual traditions: these include the nature of 'linguistic competence', the arbitrariness of language, and the theoretical implications of variation between speakers and across languages.

Nigel Duffield received his university education in language and linguistics in England (Cambridge and London) and the USA (Los Angeles). A Professor of English and Linguistics at Konan University, Japan, since 2012, he has held previous positions in Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and England. His unique perspective on psycholinguistics is informed by his interactions with psycholinguists across a wide theoretical spectrum.

'This book is unique. Other books discuss the relationship between formal and experimental linguistics. This book does so through the lens of music, poetry, and personal experiences. This melding of art, personal experience, and science make the book an excellent read and a great learning experience.' Natasha Warner, University of Arizona