认知能力和语言水平对中国英语专业学生隐喻理解的影响

An investigation into the roles of cognitive ability and language proficiency in Chinese English majors' metaphor comprehension

隐喻是语言中的普遍现象,是外语学习的重点和难点。本研究调查中国英语专业学生认知能力和语言水平对隐喻理解的影响。调查结果显示,总体来看,认知能力和语言水平都是影响隐喻理解的显著因素,而且这两个因素对不同认知能力和语言水平学习者的隐喻理解会产生不同影响。据此,本研究提出课堂教学应改进、加强隐喻教学的针对性建议。

Metaphor is pervasive in language, and metaphorical language is an important yet difficult part of foreign language learning. This study investigates the roles of cognitive ability and language proficiency in Chinese English majors＇ metaphor comprehension. The results show that generally both factors play significant roles in the learners＇ metaphor comprehension, and they have differential effects on metaphor comprehension of the learners who are cogni- tively and linguistically different. Finally, in accordance with the findings, the study puts forward some suggestions on how to enhance metaphor teaching in classroom settings.