英汉语言中数字模糊用法的文化因素分析

On the Cultural Factors in the Vagueness of Numbers in English and Chinese

与一般的模糊语言用法相比,数字的模糊用法颇为微妙,更为复杂,需要从文化范畴,从语用角度来分析,理解,解释。本文从以下三个方面进行探讨:一、由于历史沿袭,某些数字被赋予了特定的、或是吉祥的、或是禁忌的意义,可以追溯到原始的自然崇拜或者宗教信仰;二、数字含义由具体意义演变为泛指意义,已经失去精确地数量含义;三、文学作品中倏格用以达到修辞效果。分析了数字模糊用法的文化因素,追溯其沿袭过程,并分析其具体用法和效果,以达到正确地理解和翻译目的。

Compared wity the common vague language, the vague uses of numbers appear to be more complex and subtler, demanding for careful consideration toward the cultural connotation and the pragmatic function, these vague usages are mainly employed in the following three cases, namely： 1. Some numbers have derived special meaning from the primeval worship or religion; 2. The meaning of some numbers has evolved, becoming more general, and has almost lost the precise numerical meaning; 3. Numbers are employed in the rhetorical devices to get special effects, this paper analyzes the specific uses and effects on the basis of studying the cultural factors of such vague usages and their surce for the correct understanding and faithful translation.