试析语义变化的认知原理

Analysis of Cogntive Theory in Semantic Change

语义变化既受社会文化等外在因素和语言系统内部特征作用的影响,又是认知变化的结果。语义变化的过程实质上就是语言交际双方认知互动的过程。在这个过程中,认知变化决定了语义变化的方向和路径,其中四种认知因素,即已有知识结构,认知经济性,提示效度和连结性,制约语义变化的各个环节。

Semantic change is motivated by social-cultural factors and intralinguistic features, but more importantly is the result of cognitive changes. The process of semantic change is nothing but the cogntive interaction of both the speaker and the hearer. Cogntive changes determine the direction and path of semantic change, with four cognitive factors： perceived world structure, cognitive economy, cue-validity and conjuctivity restraining the process of change.