On Prototypes from the Perspective of Semantics and Categorization

Cognitive linguistics is a new approach to language study, which can offer better explanation for language phenomena, and provide more theoretical instructions for English learning. In recent years, the prototype theory, as the cornerstone of cognitive linguistics, has been employed in different research fields, such as phonology, syntax, semantics, English teaching, etc..This thesis attempts to review and discuss the researches done so far on semantics and categorization based on a cognitive theory -- the prototype theory.

地方性知识与空间治理——以苏州东山内圩治理为例

太湖流域水环境综合治理既是一项环境治理任务,也是一项空间治理工程,它涉及太湖沿岸土地利用方式的改变。以人类学家吉尔兹关于局外人对局内人地方性知识的语义理解为学术对话观点,以苏州东山内圩地区为研究区域,采用访谈法、资料分析法、对比法,寻找规划专家的科学知识与当地养殖户地方性知识的语义'原型'。研究发现:(1)'长度'是'合理规划养殖水塘'的语义'原型'。语义'原型'的发掘使专家在设计空间治理指标时,可采纳养殖户的地方性知识,也为养殖户理解空间治理指标、更新其地方性知识提供可能性。(2)地方性知识不单由当地人创造,还在内外两类人群的互动中不断更新。在该过程中,准局外人发挥着知识对接的桥梁作用。当地人的地方性知识没有考虑宏观区域的可持续发展,而专家的全局视野会帮助当地人改进地方性知识。