Cognitive linguistics is one of the fastest growing and influential perspectives on the nature of language, the mind, and their relationship with sociophysical (embodied) experience. It is a broad theoretical and methodological enterprise, rather than a single, closely articulated theory. Its primary commitments are outlined. These are the Cognitive Commitment—a commitment to providing a characterization of language that accords with what is known about the mind and brain from other disciplines—and the Generalization Commitment—which represents a dedication to characterizing general principles that apply to all aspects of human language. The article also outlines the assumptions and worldview which arises from these commitments, as represented in the work of leading cognitive linguists. WIREs Cogn Sci 2012, 3:129–141. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1163 This article is categorized under: Linguistics > Linguistic Theory