Recent approaches to language processing have focused either on individual cognitive processes in producing and understanding language or on social cognitive factors in interactive conversation. Although the cognitive and social approaches to language processing would seem to have little theoretical or methodological common ground, the goal of this book is to encourage the merging of these two traditions. The contributors to this volume hope to demonstrate that attention to both cognitive and social approaches is important for understanding how language is processed in natural settings.The book opens with four review/position papers; these are followed by shorter reports of experimental findings — “a snapshot of current work that begins to bridge the product and action traditions.” These treat linguistic processing issues in conversational settings, the interactions of language and nonlinguistic information from visual scenes, product approaches to issues traditionally discussed in the action tradition, and Gricean phenomena.
Uncover the intricate dance between mind and interaction in "Approaches to Studying World-Situated Language Use: Bridging the Language-as-Product and Language-as-Action Traditions," a groundbreaking exploration into how we process language in the real world. Edited by esteemed cognitive psychologists John C. Trueswell and Michael K. Tanenhaus, this compelling volume challenges the traditional divide between cognitive and social approaches to language, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of communication. For years, the field of language processing has been bifurcated, with some researchers focusing on the internal cognitive mechanisms at play when we produce and understand language, and others emphasizing the social and contextual factors that shape our conversations. This book argues that a truly comprehensive understanding of language requires integrating these two perspectives. It's not enough to simply analyze language as a static product; we must also consider the dynamic, interactive processes that unfold in real-time communication. Trueswell and Tanenhaus, both leading figures in the field, have assembled a diverse collection of contributions from prominent researchers who are at the forefront of this integrative approach. The book, part of the "Learning, Development, and Conceptual Change" series, delves into the core issues of how language users seamlessly blend linguistic information with non-linguistic cues, such as visual context and social cues, to navigate conversations and achieve their communicative goals. Within these pages, you'll find a rich tapestry of theoretical frameworks and empirical studies that illuminate the interplay of cognitive and social factors in language processing. The book kicks off with insightful review and position papers that lay the groundwork for bridging the "language-as-product" and "language-as-action" traditions. These are followed by concise reports of cutting-edge experimental findings, offering a snapshot of the latest research in the field. Explore topics such as: * **Language processing in conversational settings:** How do we coordinate our linguistic choices with our conversational partners to achieve mutual understanding? * **The interaction of language and visual scenes:** How do we use visual information to guide our interpretation of spoken or written language? * **Product approaches to action tradition issues:** How can the analysis of language products inform our understanding of dynamic conversational processes? * **Gricean phenomena:** How do we use principles of cooperation and inference to interpret ambiguous or indirect utterances? "Approaches to Studying World-Situated Language Use" is essential reading for students, researchers, and professionals in linguistics, cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics, communication studies, and anyone interested in the fascinating complexities of human language. This book offers a roadmap for future research, paving the way for a more holistic and ecologically valid understanding of how we use language in the real world. It is particularly relevant for those studying cognitive science, behavioral sciences, or seeking reference material for advanced coursework. Dive into this thought-provoking exploration and discover how cognitive and social forces converge to shape the way we communicate. Published by A Bradford Book in 2004, this paperback edition contains 368 pages packed with invaluable insights. Though now a cornerstone in its field, the research and perspectives it offers remain surprisingly relevant, influencing contemporary approaches to language understanding and human-computer interaction. Its a classic collection that continues to spark important conversations in the cognitive science community.
