词义引申中的认知活动和经济性原则

Cognitive Activity and Economy Principle in Meaning Extension

由词义引申而形成的一词多义现象普遍存在,揭示出人类认知的构成方式、工作方式以及语言形成、发展的一些重要规律。词义引申主要缘由是人们在认识外界事物时的隐喻式思维活动和语言运用过程中的经济性原则,即人们使用语言时总是倾向于高效、省力的方式。词义隐喻式的引申是认知活动和语言交际中实现经济性原则的重要途径,而人们用旧词隐喻性地表达一个新概念的内在驱动力就是经济性原则。

Polysemy derives from meaning extension is commonly-seen, and it reveals the way human cognition is formed, how it works, and some regular patterns of language formation and development. One reason for the extension of meaning is metaphorical thinking activities used when people get to know the outside world. Another primary reason is the economic principle applied in the process of language use, for people tend to use language in an efficient and energy-saving way. During the cogni- tive activity and language communication, the economic principle is achieved through metaphorical ex- pressions. And the economic principle is the internal driving force of giving old words new meaning.