08第八章 语境与语义.ppt

Chapter Eight Meaning and context Main contents: 1.definition of context 2.types of contexts 3. roles of context 4. differences between ambiguity and fuzziness Aim of learning context and meaning ---learn how to understand meaning of words and sentences according to context --- learn how to use English language properly in different context ---improve cross-cultural communication 1. definition of context In a narrow sense: --- lexical items that come immediately before and after any word in an act of communication. (whole passage, book) In a broad sense : ---entire social or cultural setting ---general knowledge about the world ---specific knowledge about the situation in which linguistic communication is taking place. Meaning of a word ---determined by linguistic / extralinguistic contexts. 2. types of contexts 1) linguistic /intralinguistic context 语言语境 a. lexical context 词汇语境(collocation) ---lexical items combined with a given polysemous word, e.g.: The regulation is made to protect dogs. I hope you can make 10,000 yuan a month. b. grammatical context 语法语境 ---syntactic structure of the context which determines the meaning of a polysemous word, e.g.: I will get her to do my homework. The days are getting hotter. 2)extra-linguistic context言外语境 situational context cultural context the actual situation in which communication occurs the social and cultural background a. the actual speech situation It is a difficult operation. Is the window open? ------------------------------------------------------ A: Do you want some coffee? B: Coffee would keep me awake. b. different cultures, different meanings animal: fox dog mouse rabbit chicken bat