Since the specifications of most of the existing context-sensitive graph grammars tend to be either too intricate or not intuitive, a novel context-sensitive graph grammar formalism, called context-attributed graph gr...Since the specifications of most of the existing context-sensitive graph grammars tend to be either too intricate or not intuitive, a novel context-sensitive graph grammar formalism, called context-attributed graph grammar（CAGG）, is proposed. In order to resolve the embedding problem, context information of a graph production in the CAGG is represented in the form of context attributes of the nodes involved. Moreover, several properties of a set of confluent CAGG productions are characterized, and then an algorithm based on them is developed to decide whether or not a set of productions is confluent, which provides the foundation for the design of efficient parsing algorithms. It can also be shown through the comparison of CAGG with several typical context-sensitive graph grammars that CAGG is more succinct and, at the same time, more intuitive than the others, making it more suitably and effortlessly applicable to the specification of visual languages.展开更多
From the perspective of the poverty of stimulus argument and the cognitive development theory, this paper attempts to reveal the mechanism of language acquisition. The poverty of stimulus argument theoretically proves...From the perspective of the poverty of stimulus argument and the cognitive development theory, this paper attempts to reveal the mechanism of language acquisition. The poverty of stimulus argument theoretically proves the hypothesis that based on their finite linguistic experience, children can construct their complete language knowledge system. Language acquisition is the process of acquisition of core grammar and of mental representation of vocabulary. Parameter values must be set in the process of children＇s core grammar acquisition. Vocabulary of natural language is stored and processed in the form of conceptual representation, which is associated with syntactic structures by projection rules and bounded by various well-formed rules. The cognitive development theory claims that language acquisition is a development process of universal grammar into particular grammar, which is redescribed at a higher level.展开更多
The issue on which this essay focuses is how to adapt the Communicative Language Teaching （CLT） Approach to China＇s context. With the recent accession to the WTO, the long-awaited Olympic games in Beijing, China ha...The issue on which this essay focuses is how to adapt the Communicative Language Teaching （CLT） Approach to China＇s context. With the recent accession to the WTO, the long-awaited Olympic games in Beijing, China has made learning English a national priority. It is very important and necessary to research on how to adapt CLT flexibly and appropriately to China＇s context if most Chinese English learners are to gain a good grasp of oral English, and if specialist learning is to be achieved by those who need English for business and academic purposes. Therefore this essay is structured as follows： First, analyzing the different types of English teaching methods in China and then focusing on the CLT Method. By analyzing and contrasting these English teaching methods, the need to change the current English teaching methods in China will be discovered. Finally, it explains the problems of adopting the more modem CLT Approach and gives suggestions on how it may best be adapted to the Chinese context.展开更多
Every day communication is an event in which there is an interactional relationship between interlocutors. This interaction needs whole language in which language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing; as...Every day communication is an event in which there is an interactional relationship between interlocutors. This interaction needs whole language in which language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing; associated knowledge of vocabulary, meaning, syntax, etc.; and also, thinking skills are interwoven. This means that language should be kept whole and ＂if language isn＇t kept whole, it isn＇t language anymore＂ （Rigg, 1991, p. 522, cited in Richards ＆ Rodgers, 2001, p. 109）. In English as a Second Language/English Foreign Language （ESL/EFL） learning settings, improvement in one skill can affect the development of other skills. A particular course may highlight certain skills, but if the teacher is creative or specific tasks and problems are used in language learning settings, learners are provided with the opportunity to improve multiple, integrated skills. This paper aims at elaborating on critical thinking approach to language learning and introducing practical ideas for helping teachers to integrate language and thinking skills. It introduces 3 critical thinking activities （Dialogue journals, reading logs and literacy portfolios）, and also discusses how implementing them can serves as a way to integrate language skills. It also maintains that engaging learners in these activities helps them use authentic materials and solve problems of their own interest that in turn has a positive effect on student＇s motivation.展开更多
This paper discusses the history of linguistics in the west, as well as the features, the spokesmen and the contributions of different schools in different times. The learners can understand the linguistic schools in ...This paper discusses the history of linguistics in the west, as well as the features, the spokesmen and the contributions of different schools in different times. The learners can understand the linguistic schools in the west by analyzing them and then improve their ability to analyze languages.展开更多
The pun becomes the most popular language strategy for advertisers as a broadly used rhetorical device. Using pun words felicitously not only makes advertising language more humorous, implicative, and vivid but also l...The pun becomes the most popular language strategy for advertisers as a broadly used rhetorical device. Using pun words felicitously not only makes advertising language more humorous, implicative, and vivid but also leaves the audience a room to imagine and enjoy. The author summarizes pun＇s definitions, features, classifications, and how the pun procures a successful communicative activity in English advertisements based on Sperber and Wilson＇s Relevance Theory. At last, the pun＇s pragmatic functions are concluded.展开更多
Grammar teaching recently faces lots of problems not only in the teaching methods but also in its position it deserves. Through analyzing the importance and the confronting problems of grammar teaching in middle schoo...Grammar teaching recently faces lots of problems not only in the teaching methods but also in its position it deserves. Through analyzing the importance and the confronting problems of grammar teaching in middle schools, the paper will do the further research on the methodologies in the transitional time and will surely conclude the theories that can direct teaching process.展开更多
Construction grammar attempts to reveal the nature, structure, and functions of language. As a theoretical system of language based on cognitive linguistics, construction grammar is a reaction and thus a contrast to t...Construction grammar attempts to reveal the nature, structure, and functions of language. As a theoretical system of language based on cognitive linguistics, construction grammar is a reaction and thus a contrast to the traditional generative grammar. This paper tries to outline the major propositions of construction grammar and construction theory, analyses the significance of constructions and their relations to second language acquisition （SLA） and the routes of construction acquisition in SLA, plus the orientations in research on the relations between construction acquisition and SLA.展开更多
This paper attempts to explore the functional divergence of LD （Left Dislocation） in English and Chinese. Through detailed analyzing, we find that LD in both languages shares only one function, the function of simpl...This paper attempts to explore the functional divergence of LD （Left Dislocation） in English and Chinese. Through detailed analyzing, we find that LD in both languages shares only one function, the function of simplifying, but it is different in other functions and there are eight more functions in Chinese than in English. The interface study of LD in the two languages leads to the implications： The connections between syntactic form and discourse function are language-specific and arbitrary, and LD serves a wide variety of discourse functions and is motivated by a range of discourse circumstances展开更多
Problems in generating and organizing ideas, in coherence and language competence are common in non-English majors＇ writings. To improve their writing proficiency, the writing course should have real-life purposes, b...Problems in generating and organizing ideas, in coherence and language competence are common in non-English majors＇ writings. To improve their writing proficiency, the writing course should have real-life purposes, balance between real and display writing, between product and process approaches, vary writing activities, train strategies in improving coherence, balance the content of feedback and use various forms of feedback.展开更多
Based on the theory of linguistic universal and Second Language Acquisition （SLA）, the paper discusses the acquisition of syntactic positions of adverbs in English. According to the data collected, the paper conclud...Based on the theory of linguistic universal and Second Language Acquisition （SLA）, the paper discusses the acquisition of syntactic positions of adverbs in English. According to the data collected, the paper concludes that what adult learners acquire about adverbs is the distinction of different adverbs and the different scopes they take.展开更多
The debate on grammar in second language acquisition： past, present, and future, is a well written summary of both explicit and implicit grammar instruction in second language acquisition from past to present and wit...The debate on grammar in second language acquisition： past, present, and future, is a well written summary of both explicit and implicit grammar instruction in second language acquisition from past to present and with future projections. The thesis holds that explicit grammar instruction plays a very important role in foreign language learning and teaching and argues that English education in China should lay emphasis on how to assist students＇ grammar internalization and promote the conversion from explicit learning to implicit learning.展开更多
Traditional grammar-translation ：method in China＇s English teaching has long been putting emphasis on the teaching of linguistic knowledge. It is no doubt that it has got many achievements. However, it has produced ...Traditional grammar-translation ：method in China＇s English teaching has long been putting emphasis on the teaching of linguistic knowledge. It is no doubt that it has got many achievements. However, it has produced many bad byproducts as well. For instance, it may produce some students who are good in grammatical achievements but lacking in responding to the actual situation. Therefore linguistic knowledge is not the whole field that English teaching should touch upon. Inducing from two instances, this article presents the importance of communicative ability and cross-cultural competence in China＇s English teaching, together with proper solutions.展开更多
While translating the source language, one is inevitably introducing the culture. Approaches to culture involved in translation may be divided into two different methods： alienation （SL-culture oriented） and adapta...While translating the source language, one is inevitably introducing the culture. Approaches to culture involved in translation may be divided into two different methods： alienation （SL-culture oriented） and adaptation （TL-culture oriented）. Idioms with rich national characteristics and specific linguistic features are called ＂concentrated culture＂. Therefore in idiom translation, there exist to some extent linguistic untranslatability and cultural untranslatability. In this paper, the author proposes to discuss the translatability of idioms and different approaches in English-Chinese/Chinese-English idiom translation.展开更多
Chinese Folk Wisecrack （CFW） is a special language form which is invented by the Chinese people out of their life experience and has been widely used for a long history. In China, the previous studies on it are main...Chinese Folk Wisecrack （CFW） is a special language form which is invented by the Chinese people out of their life experience and has been widely used for a long history. In China, the previous studies on it are mainly stay on its surface, such as relation between CFW and culture, rhetoric and grammar; scholars scarcely note the meaning construction of CFW. This paper aims to study the process of meaning construction of CFW through the Conceptual Blending Theory （CBT） of the cognitive linguistics.展开更多
This paper attempts to explore how cohesion is realized by meanings of reference in text analysis. Through analyzing some aspects of reference, especially personal reference and demonstrative reference, we know that r...This paper attempts to explore how cohesion is realized by meanings of reference in text analysis. Through analyzing some aspects of reference, especially personal reference and demonstrative reference, we know that reference is a text characteristic beyond sentences. It contributes to the development of a text and makes the text more cohesive, communicative and accurate. Of course, reference in cohesion is not used separately, it is closely related with other aspects of text analysis, and they cooperate and restrain each other and perform functions together. So translators are required to have the competence of understanding and applying reference, ellipsis and other cohesive device from the viewpoint of texts level with the combination of other aspects in text analysis, then texts can be more cohesive, coherent and acceptable.展开更多
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.60571048,60673186,60736015)the National High Technology Researchand Development Program of China(863Program)(No.2007AA01Z178)
文摘Since the specifications of most of the existing context-sensitive graph grammars tend to be either too intricate or not intuitive, a novel context-sensitive graph grammar formalism, called context-attributed graph grammar（CAGG）, is proposed. In order to resolve the embedding problem, context information of a graph production in the CAGG is represented in the form of context attributes of the nodes involved. Moreover, several properties of a set of confluent CAGG productions are characterized, and then an algorithm based on them is developed to decide whether or not a set of productions is confluent, which provides the foundation for the design of efficient parsing algorithms. It can also be shown through the comparison of CAGG with several typical context-sensitive graph grammars that CAGG is more succinct and, at the same time, more intuitive than the others, making it more suitably and effortlessly applicable to the specification of visual languages.
文摘From the perspective of the poverty of stimulus argument and the cognitive development theory, this paper attempts to reveal the mechanism of language acquisition. The poverty of stimulus argument theoretically proves the hypothesis that based on their finite linguistic experience, children can construct their complete language knowledge system. Language acquisition is the process of acquisition of core grammar and of mental representation of vocabulary. Parameter values must be set in the process of children＇s core grammar acquisition. Vocabulary of natural language is stored and processed in the form of conceptual representation, which is associated with syntactic structures by projection rules and bounded by various well-formed rules. The cognitive development theory claims that language acquisition is a development process of universal grammar into particular grammar, which is redescribed at a higher level.
文摘The issue on which this essay focuses is how to adapt the Communicative Language Teaching （CLT） Approach to China＇s context. With the recent accession to the WTO, the long-awaited Olympic games in Beijing, China has made learning English a national priority. It is very important and necessary to research on how to adapt CLT flexibly and appropriately to China＇s context if most Chinese English learners are to gain a good grasp of oral English, and if specialist learning is to be achieved by those who need English for business and academic purposes. Therefore this essay is structured as follows： First, analyzing the different types of English teaching methods in China and then focusing on the CLT Method. By analyzing and contrasting these English teaching methods, the need to change the current English teaching methods in China will be discovered. Finally, it explains the problems of adopting the more modem CLT Approach and gives suggestions on how it may best be adapted to the Chinese context.
文摘Every day communication is an event in which there is an interactional relationship between interlocutors. This interaction needs whole language in which language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing; associated knowledge of vocabulary, meaning, syntax, etc.; and also, thinking skills are interwoven. This means that language should be kept whole and ＂if language isn＇t kept whole, it isn＇t language anymore＂ （Rigg, 1991, p. 522, cited in Richards ＆ Rodgers, 2001, p. 109）. In English as a Second Language/English Foreign Language （ESL/EFL） learning settings, improvement in one skill can affect the development of other skills. A particular course may highlight certain skills, but if the teacher is creative or specific tasks and problems are used in language learning settings, learners are provided with the opportunity to improve multiple, integrated skills. This paper aims at elaborating on critical thinking approach to language learning and introducing practical ideas for helping teachers to integrate language and thinking skills. It introduces 3 critical thinking activities （Dialogue journals, reading logs and literacy portfolios）, and also discusses how implementing them can serves as a way to integrate language skills. It also maintains that engaging learners in these activities helps them use authentic materials and solve problems of their own interest that in turn has a positive effect on student＇s motivation.
文摘This paper discusses the history of linguistics in the west, as well as the features, the spokesmen and the contributions of different schools in different times. The learners can understand the linguistic schools in the west by analyzing them and then improve their ability to analyze languages.
文摘The pun becomes the most popular language strategy for advertisers as a broadly used rhetorical device. Using pun words felicitously not only makes advertising language more humorous, implicative, and vivid but also leaves the audience a room to imagine and enjoy. The author summarizes pun＇s definitions, features, classifications, and how the pun procures a successful communicative activity in English advertisements based on Sperber and Wilson＇s Relevance Theory. At last, the pun＇s pragmatic functions are concluded.
文摘Grammar teaching recently faces lots of problems not only in the teaching methods but also in its position it deserves. Through analyzing the importance and the confronting problems of grammar teaching in middle schools, the paper will do the further research on the methodologies in the transitional time and will surely conclude the theories that can direct teaching process.
文摘Construction grammar attempts to reveal the nature, structure, and functions of language. As a theoretical system of language based on cognitive linguistics, construction grammar is a reaction and thus a contrast to the traditional generative grammar. This paper tries to outline the major propositions of construction grammar and construction theory, analyses the significance of constructions and their relations to second language acquisition （SLA） and the routes of construction acquisition in SLA, plus the orientations in research on the relations between construction acquisition and SLA.
文摘This paper attempts to explore the functional divergence of LD （Left Dislocation） in English and Chinese. Through detailed analyzing, we find that LD in both languages shares only one function, the function of simplifying, but it is different in other functions and there are eight more functions in Chinese than in English. The interface study of LD in the two languages leads to the implications： The connections between syntactic form and discourse function are language-specific and arbitrary, and LD serves a wide variety of discourse functions and is motivated by a range of discourse circumstances
文摘Problems in generating and organizing ideas, in coherence and language competence are common in non-English majors＇ writings. To improve their writing proficiency, the writing course should have real-life purposes, balance between real and display writing, between product and process approaches, vary writing activities, train strategies in improving coherence, balance the content of feedback and use various forms of feedback.
文摘Based on the theory of linguistic universal and Second Language Acquisition （SLA）, the paper discusses the acquisition of syntactic positions of adverbs in English. According to the data collected, the paper concludes that what adult learners acquire about adverbs is the distinction of different adverbs and the different scopes they take.
文摘The debate on grammar in second language acquisition： past, present, and future, is a well written summary of both explicit and implicit grammar instruction in second language acquisition from past to present and with future projections. The thesis holds that explicit grammar instruction plays a very important role in foreign language learning and teaching and argues that English education in China should lay emphasis on how to assist students＇ grammar internalization and promote the conversion from explicit learning to implicit learning.
文摘Traditional grammar-translation ：method in China＇s English teaching has long been putting emphasis on the teaching of linguistic knowledge. It is no doubt that it has got many achievements. However, it has produced many bad byproducts as well. For instance, it may produce some students who are good in grammatical achievements but lacking in responding to the actual situation. Therefore linguistic knowledge is not the whole field that English teaching should touch upon. Inducing from two instances, this article presents the importance of communicative ability and cross-cultural competence in China＇s English teaching, together with proper solutions.
文摘While translating the source language, one is inevitably introducing the culture. Approaches to culture involved in translation may be divided into two different methods： alienation （SL-culture oriented） and adaptation （TL-culture oriented）. Idioms with rich national characteristics and specific linguistic features are called ＂concentrated culture＂. Therefore in idiom translation, there exist to some extent linguistic untranslatability and cultural untranslatability. In this paper, the author proposes to discuss the translatability of idioms and different approaches in English-Chinese/Chinese-English idiom translation.
文摘Chinese Folk Wisecrack （CFW） is a special language form which is invented by the Chinese people out of their life experience and has been widely used for a long history. In China, the previous studies on it are mainly stay on its surface, such as relation between CFW and culture, rhetoric and grammar; scholars scarcely note the meaning construction of CFW. This paper aims to study the process of meaning construction of CFW through the Conceptual Blending Theory （CBT） of the cognitive linguistics.
文摘This paper attempts to explore how cohesion is realized by meanings of reference in text analysis. Through analyzing some aspects of reference, especially personal reference and demonstrative reference, we know that reference is a text characteristic beyond sentences. It contributes to the development of a text and makes the text more cohesive, communicative and accurate. Of course, reference in cohesion is not used separately, it is closely related with other aspects of text analysis, and they cooperate and restrain each other and perform functions together. So translators are required to have the competence of understanding and applying reference, ellipsis and other cohesive device from the viewpoint of texts level with the combination of other aspects in text analysis, then texts can be more cohesive, coherent and acceptable.
