二语隐喻中的文化制约现象

A Study of Cultural Constraints on Comprehension of L2 Metaphors

本文主要探讨了二语隐喻理解中的文化制约现象,同时涉及文化模式、认知图式和准确理解之间的关系。本文将二语习语的理解的过程视为二语隐喻理解的过程,并认为二语隐喻理解的本质是一个受母语文化制约的认知过程。这个过程涉及各种图式和想象等认知工具。本研究表明:1)二语隐喻的理解主要受到认知因素和文化因素的影响和制约;2)受试在很大程度上都是依赖母语的各种图式和联想来理解所有的二语隐喻。论文揭示了二语隐喻的理解中的文化制约现象,从而为二语隐喻语教学提供了有益的启发。文章最后论述了研究结果对二语习语和词汇教学的巨大意义和推动作用。

The paper investigates the cultural constraints on the comprehension of L2 image metaphors in terms of idioms’ comprehension. A tentative conceptual framework proposes that the comprehension of L2 image metaphors is, in essence, a cognitive process governed and constrained by L1 cultural model. Accordingly, the paper indicates that: (a) The comprehension of L2 image metaphors is largely constrained or affected by cultural and cognitive factors; (b) The subjects mainly rely on their L1-based schemas and imagination in comprehension of L2 image metaphors. In conclusion, implications for teaching and learning of L2 conventional metaphorical language and for L2 lexical acquisition are suggested.