论英语WAY构式中动词的认知语义限制条件

Cognitive Semantic Constraints on Verbs in English WAY Construction

本文以Talmy的认知语义概念事件词汇化模式理论为基础,研究英语WAY构式中动词的语义选择限制问题。本研究认为：动词是否适用于某个构式要受到构式表达认知事件的概念内容和概念结构两方面语义配置要求的制约。基于BNC语料库的观察数据表明,英语WAY语句表达一种＂运动事件＂概念语义,其特点是：（1）动体逐渐通过某个延展的物理或者非物理空间（如时间、事件、事业、心理等）的路径。（2）运动是以某种非惯常方式进行的。（3）运动的方式和路径是被突显的。这类WAY句子构式需要表达[运动][方式][路径]概念语义,其中＂Vone s way＂短语构式仅表达[运动][路径]语义,且表达[路径无界]构形特征。因此,WAY构式语句中的动词不但需要提供[方式]概念内容语义,还要与[路径无界]概念结构语义相容。本文认为动词的语义限制条件有二：（1）动词表达或被识解为表达[方式]概念内容语义;（2）动词表达[路径无界]或者[时间无界]概念结构语义。

Based on Talmy＇s Cognitive Semantic Theory of Typological Lexicalization of Conceptual Events,this paper aims to discuss the problem of semantic constraints on verbs in the English WAY Construction.The author argues that semantic constraints are related to both the content and structure of the [MOTION EVENT] concept that the WAY construction expresses.Through the observation of BNC data,the author discovers that the WAY construction sentences semantically describe a type of motion event with some special features.（1）The FIGURE gradually moves on an expanded PATH,physical or non-physical（such as temporal,psychological,event,career,etc）;（2）The FIGURE acts in an unusual MANNER.（3）The PATH and MANNER are both emphasized and salient.Therefore it is argued that the WAY sentential construction requires the expression of [MOTION][MANNER] conceptual elements,while the ＂V one＇s way＂ phrasal construction only expresses the [MOTION] concept and the concept with an unbounded configurational feature.Therefore,the verbs need to provide the [MANNER] component as required by the WAY sentential construction,and need to be compatible with the [UNBOUNDED PATH] feature of the phrasal construction.In conclusion,two semantic constraints of verbs in WAY Construction are proposed as follows.（1）The verb can express or be construed as expressing [MANNER] concept.（2）The verb is supposed to express [SPATIALLY UNBOUNDEDNESS] or [TEMPORALLY UNBOUNDEDNESS] concept.