“太P”短语和程度常态

Normality Degrees and the Meaning of ‘太+P’Phrases

根据Lakoff的理想化认知模式(ICM)理论,本文认为,“太 P”短语表示的是事物、事件的程度异态,程度异态以程度常态为参照对象。参照关系和 P的性质以及说话人的倾向性决定了程度常态和“太P”短语的不同类型。程度常态具有合意偏向性、语境依赖性、比例图式性和原型性等特性,这些特性可以解释有关“太 P”短语及程度异态表达的一些特殊现象。贬义“太P”有重读P和重读“太”两种形式,前者重质,后者重量,这种分工决定了它们在语用上的种种区别和限制。

Based on the ICM theory this paper points out that ‘太+P’phrases are used to indicate an abnormal degree of something. We divide ‘太+P’ phrases and normality degrees into different types according to referential relations, nature of P and the speaker’ s attitudes. The special usage of ‘太+P’ phrases can be explained by their semantic properties, such as desire orrientation, context dependence, proportional schematics and prototype. ‘太+P’phrases with derogatory senses have two forms: one stresses P and focuses on qualities and the other stresses ‘太’ and focuses on quantities. This semantic distinction gives rise to their differences in usage.