Glossary:Prototype: Difference between revisions
| Line 14: | Line 14: | ||
== Examples == | == Examples == | ||
'' | ''CHAIR'' is a '''prototype''' of the concept ''FURNITURE''. Other examples as ''desk'', ''bed'' or ''bench'' are considered less typical. | ||
''ROBINS'' and ''SPARROWS'' are '''prototypes''' of the concept ''BIRDS''. ''Penguins'' or ''ostriches'' are more peripheral examples. | |||
== Related terms == | == Related terms == | ||
Revision as of 21:21, 29 October 2012
Warning:
The material on this page has been created as part of a seminar. It is still heavily under construction and we do not guarantee its correctness. If you have comments on this page or suggestions for improvement, please contact Manfred Sailer.
This note will be removed once the page has been carefully checked and integrated into the main part of this wiki.
Prototype
Definition
Prototype ([ˈprəʊtə(ʊ)tɑɪp]): A member of a category or a concept that combines its most representative attributes and therefore more central or typical than others. Prototypes are cognitive reference points.
Comment:
We intuitively grade the members of a concept according to their typicality. Imagining birds as 'creatures that are covered with feathers, have two wings and two legs, and the majority of which can fly', some of these animals seem to be more birdlike than others.
Examples
CHAIR is a prototype of the concept FURNITURE. Other examples as desk, bed or bench are considered less typical.
ROBINS and SPARROWS are prototypes of the concept BIRDS. Penguins or ostriches are more peripheral examples.
Related terms
Back to the --> Glossary of Basic Semantic Terms.
References and links
- Bieswanger, Markus & Becker, Annette (2010): Introduction to English Linguistics. 3rd edition. Tübingen: Francke, p. 139-140.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prototype_theory
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prototype
- http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Glossary_of_semantics#H