词汇学第7章复习.docVIP

Chapter 7, Changes in Word Meaning Introduction: 1. Vocabulary is the most unstable element of a language as it is undergoing constant changes both in Form and Content. Comparatively, the content is even more unstable than the form. 2. Shakespeare is perhaps more difficult to understand that more recent writings because many of his words were used in different sense from what they have now in contemporary dictionaries. P134 e.g. rival- partner, jump- just, vulgar- common, censure-opinion, fond- foolish, pregnant-meaningful 7.1 Types of Changes Extension, Narrowing, Degradation, Elevation, and Transfer 7.1.1 Extension/ Generalization 词义的扩大 1) Extension (Generalization) is the process by which a word which originally had a specialized meaning has now become generalized. Specialized → Generalized border and less definite concept e.g. Word Old meaning Extended meaning manuscript handwriting any author’s writing by hand or typed by type-writer fabulous resembling a fable marvelous barn a place for storing only barley storeroom picture painting drawing and photographs mill place of grinding grains into flour 磨坊 place where things are made journal daily paper periodical 期刊 bonfire fire on bones a fire in the open 篝火 营火 butcher one who kills goats one who kills animals companion one who shares bread a company 同伴 2）A large proportion of polysemic words of modern English have their meanings extended sometime in the course of development. 3）现代英语一部分词在发展过程中，其意义扩大了，有的扩大到指任何事物。如thing原指“政治议会/审判大会”，现泛指任何事务。P 136 e.g. business concern condition matter article and circumstance. 4) Extension of meaning is also found in many technical terms → common use e.g. alibi a legal term