Space, time, and the use of language

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Does temporal language depend on spatial language? This widely held view is appealing since spatial and temporal expressions often overlap. Metaphors frequently convey temporal concepts using spatial terms, indicating a close semantic relationship. However, how do these linguistic expressions function in natural discourse? The book explores terms that describe the relationships of objects or events (e.g., in front/behind, before/after), emphasizing the connection between cognition and language use. Employing cognitively motivated discourse analysis, it presents new empirical findings to enhance previous research. The investigation of selected terms reveals both similarities and significant differences in their application, leading to a nuanced understanding: concepts of space and time are systematically represented in language, reflecting our worldview while also highlighting fundamental differences in our understanding of these concepts. This work contributes to a long-standing debate among cognitive linguists regarding the transfer processes between these intertwined domains. It uniquely addresses how these processes manifest in the actual use of relevant expressions in discourse. By integrating established Discourse Analysis approaches with interdisciplinary insights from Cognitive Science, the book offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between space and time and their linguistic expression.