“NP1是NP2”等于“NP2是NP1”吗?——基于摹状词理论的语义分析

Is “NP1 is NP2”Equivalent to “NP2 is NP1”: A Semantic Analysis Based on the Theory of Descriptions

在摹状词理论框架内,判断构式"NP1是NP2"所表达的语义关系是由NP1和NP2的性质共同决定的。当NP1是摹状词,NP2是专名的时候,该判断构式表达特指关系;当NP1是专名,NP2是摹状词的时候,该判断构式表达归属关系;当NP1和NP2同为专名的时候,该判断构式表达等同关系;当NP1和NP2同为摹状词的时候,该判断构式表达等同或归属关系。只有在表示等同关系的情况下,NP1与NP2颠倒位置才不会影响该判断构式所表达的语义。

Within the framework of the Theory of Descriptions, the semantic meaning of the structure aNPl is NP2,？ is determined by the attributes of the two NPs together. When NP1 is a description, while NP2 is a name, the structure expresses the relationship of specificational reference. On the contrary, when NP1 is a name, NP2 is a description; the structure expresses the relationship of attribution. When both NP1 and NP2 are names, the structure expresses the meaning of equivalence. When both NP1 and NP2 are descriptions, the structure expresses the meaning of equivalence or attribution. NP1 and NP2 can exchange their positions without altering the meaning of the construction only when it expresses the meaning of equivalence.