Benjamin K. Bergen
Benjamin K. Bergen is a cognitive scientist and author known for his work on language and the mind. He has written books exploring how language shapes thought and the science behind swearing.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Louder Than Words
The New Science of How the Mind Makes Meaning
This insightful exploration delves into the fascinating world of language and cognition, examining how humans understand and process words beyond their literal meanings. Through a blend of scientific research and engaging anecdotes, the book reveals the intricate ways in which our brains interpret language, emphasizing the role of mental imagery and embodied experiences in shaping our comprehension. It challenges conventional views by demonstrating how context, culture, and personal experiences influence the way we perceive and communicate, offering a fresh perspective on the profound connection between language and thought.
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2. What The F
What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves
This book investigates the origins, meanings, and social functions of swear words—with a keen focus on the F‑word—drawing on linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, history, and experiments to show how profanity operates as a powerful, socially regulated tool for emotional expression, social bonding, and even pain relief; it examines brain studies and behavioral research, traces cultural and legal attitudes toward taboo language, and explains how people learn and deploy profanity differently across contexts.
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