语法表征的齐整模式与语言运用的家族相似

Neat Patterns of Grammar Representation & Family Resemblance of Language Usage

语言本质上是音义结合的符号形成的自足的形式系统,每个语法范畴都有其清晰的定义性界限。以"家族相似"呈现的跨范畴语法现象大多是由历时性的或然因素所致。语法能力是言语者无意识的静态知识系统,其表征内化于人的大脑中,并决定着语言运用的动态性操作。语法表征的有序性是语言符号的系统性使然,而抽象思维正是基于人类操作语言符号的能力。

Language is by nature a self-contained formal system of linguistic signs, which are combinations of sound and meaning. Each and every grammatical category has its defining boundary. Cross-category phenomena, taking the appearance of family resemblance, are mostly brought about by historical factors of probability. Grammat- ical competence can be characterized as knowledge system, which is static and beyond the speakers＇ conscious awareness. Representational rules are internalized in human brains and regulate the dynamic operation of language system. The orderliness of grammar representation reflects the systematicity of linguistic signs, and human＇s abstract-thinking capacity originates from the ability to manipulate linguistic signs. While language evolution is motivated by both internal and external factors, what is encoded by grammar is what is internally essential to language system. The effects of space-time factors of probability upon grammar representation brings insignificant changes to the nature of language. It is somewhat rash for Wittegenstein Ⅱ, on the argument of family resemblance of linguistic phenomena, to denounce the patterned orderliness of grammar representation.