英语边缘虚词的语义演变及语法化——以given为例

Semantic Changes and Grammaticalization of Marginal Function Word "Given"

在现代英语共时平面,given多用作动词give的过去分词,也可作为形容词和边缘虚词出现在正式文本中。从历时看,given从早期的过去分词逐渐演变为形容词、介词和连词,经历了语法化历程。隐喻、重新分析、使用频率和主观化是边缘虚词given语法化的机制和动因。

At the synchronic level of modern English, "given" is mostly used as a past participle of the verb "give", and can also appear in formal texts as adjective or marginal function word. But at the diachronic level, "given" has evolved grammatically from an early past participle to adjectives, prepositions and conjunctions. Metaphor, reanalysis, frequency of use and subjectivation are the mechanisms and motives for the grammaticalization of the marginal function word "given".