一词多义 polysemy.pptVIP

Chapter VI Polysemy and Homonymy 1.Polysemy 2.Homonymy 3.The Stylistic Value of Polysemy and Homonymy Polysemy 1.Definition 2.The causes of polysemy in English 3.Polysemic words 4.Two approaches to polysemy 5.Two processes leading to polysemy Definition A term used in semantic analysis to refer to a lexical item which has a range of different meanings. The causes of polysemy in English 1.Most English words are conventional, arbitrary symbols, it may sometimes happen that more than one meaning is attached to a word. 2.In order to express new ideas,new processes, new products, and so forth. 3.To achieve languages economy and efficiency. 4.To have affective and stylistic meaning for each individual sense. 1.Shift in application 使用范围的转移 e.g. sharp(刀具)尖利的→(言语)苛刻的→(行动)直接了当的→(感觉)剧烈的→(智力)敏捷的 2.Mutual transformation between common words and specialized words(专业词汇和单词之间呢的总体改造) e.g. window(窗户)在计算机英语中指“视窗”(视频显示器的荧屏) 3. Polysemy resulting from the figurative use of words(由于修辞用法而产生多义) e.g.My 15 students read Emerson and Thoreau. 这是典型的转喻，以人名借代作品。 4.Foreign influence(外来词的影响) Polysemic words Many words in English, especially the simple words, have not only several, but at times a large number of meanings. e.g. hand 1.the part of the body at the end of the arm 2.using the hand or number of hands mentioned 3.help in doing sth 4.the part or role that sb/sth plays in a particular situation 5.a part of a clock or watch that points to the number 6.a person who does physical work on a farm or a factory 7.a sailor on a ship 8.by a person rather than a machine 9.a particular style of writing 10.a unit for measuring the height of a horse,equal to 4 inches or 10.16 centimetres ...... oxygen a chemical element. Oxygen is a gas that is present in air and water and is necessary for people, animal and plants to live. 氧，氧气 Two approaches to polysemy A.Diachronic B.Synchronic Diachronic Vertical approach How the semantic structure of a word has developed from a primary(origin