Analogy as the core of language
Abstract
Traditionally, analogy, a fundamental cognitive process, has been overlooked in linguistics, particularly within generative grammar. Esa Itkonen, however, has significantly contributed to rekindling interest in analogy’s role in language. This chapter challenges Chomsky’s dismissal of analogy by highlighting its relevance to both cognitive and linguistic processes. We delve into the multifaceted functions of analogy and explore its connections to linguistic universals and creativity. By advocating for a unified framework, we aim to bridge the gap between descriptive and functional approaches to analogy.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Language
Metaphor
and Cognition
Syntax
Semantics
Linguistic Variation
Categorization
perception
and language
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 69–86
- Publication date
- 15 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter