Problems of prototype theory

Term Paper , 2012 , 14 Pages , Grade: 1,0

English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics

This paper will deal with prototype theory and its problems. The first part of the paper will provide a brief introduction into prototype theory. It will be based on the experimental and theoretical work done by Eleanor Rosch and her colleagues in the 1970s. Rosch’s work can easily be considered the most important work in the field of prototype theory as Rosch’s work marked the beginning of prototype theory. The focus of the first and more theoretical part of the paper lies on the structure of conceptual categories, as this is where most critics of prototype theory take aim at. The second part of the term paper will be dedicated to a selection of the most commonly brought up problems of prototype theory. In the conclusion it will be discussed whether or not prototype theory is relevant for linguistics.

Table of contents

1. Introduction

2. Prototype theory
2.1 Development and general notions
2.2 The structure of conceptual categories
2.2.1 The horizontal dimension
2.2.2 The vertical dimension

3. Problems of prototype theory
3.1 Problems of componential analysis
3.2 ‘Prototype’ as a prototypical notion
3.3 The Odd Number Paradoxon
3.4 The Problem of Ignorance and Error
3.5 The Missing Prototypes Problem
3.6 Context-dependency of dimensional concepts

4. Conclusion

5. Bibliography

• College: University of Cologne (Englisches Seminar I)
• Course: Semantics
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Stephanie Eßer (Author)
• Publication Year: 2012
• Pages: 14
• Catalog Number: V198466
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656247814
• ISBN (Book): 9783656251095
• Language: German
• Tags: Englisch, Anglistik, Linguistik, Sprachwissenschaft, Semantics, Prototype theory, Prototypentheorie, Prototyp, Semantik, kognitive Semantik, Cognitive Semantics