Table of Content

15 February 2013, Volume 13 Issue 02 Previous Issue    Next Issue

For Selected:

Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX

Toggle Thumbnails

Articles

Select

My Academic Career PAN Wenguo 2013, 13 (02):  1-5.  Abstract ( 202 )   PDF (868KB) ( 187 )   Related Articles | Metrics

Select

The Study of Cognitive Semiotics in China HU Zhuanglin 2013, 13 (02):  6-10.  Abstract ( 245 )   PDF (767KB) ( 95 )   The study of cognitive semiotics first took the form of “cognitive linguistics + Piercean semiotics” in China in 2005. Two years later, the term “cognitive semiotics” began to be introduced to the Chinese scholars, who came to learn the names of those pioneers, such as Daddesio, Brandt, Thom, Stjernfelt, Bundgaard, and others, mainly in Europe. Since then, the Chinese CS scholars devoted themselves to the theoretical exploration of CS, such as metaphor and symbolization, cognitive steps in semiosis, humor comprehension, imterpretation of polite utterances, the deictic center, etc. For another thing, some scholars have focused on the application of the theory in fields such as literary analysis, the interpreter's mind stuyle, education, disaster symbols, architecture, etc. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

The Study of “Interface” in Linguistics CHU Xiaoquan 2013, 13 (02):  11-15.  Abstract ( 450 )   PDF (729KB) ( 126 )   Interface is a key concept in linguistics which could be traced back to the famous sign model proposed by de Saussure. After a century's development, linguists have now come back to this interface. In Chomsky's Minimalist Program, a linguistic theory is defined as just a mechanism that satisfies the conditions on the phonetic and semantic interfaces. A part from this interface that plays an explanatory role for the internal structure of language, we can at least identify three other interfaces concerning other aspects of language: the interface between language and thought, the interface between language and culture and the interface between languages. The philosophy of language, the linguistic relativism and translation studies evolve around these three interfaces. With interface as a key concept, we are able to clearly present the characteristics and the basic features of language as a complex system. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

The Grammaticalization of the Mandarin Chinese Short Time Adverbs Liji, Like and Lima LI Zhou, LIU Zhengguang 2013, 13 (02):  16-21.  Abstract ( 624 )   PDF (1019KB) ( 82 )   The paper examines the grammaticalization of the Chinese short time adverbs Liji, Like and Lima. The study shows two important points. One is that the semantic universals are more fundamental in linguistic and cognitive systems; the other is that serial constructions are of much research value for theory construction. The three words, before they are grammaticalized into short time adverbs had different compositional relations. But their common semantic features paved the way for them to grammaticalization into short time adverbs through serial constructions. This shows diachronic studies can shed much light for theory construction and will play a crucial role in the explanation of universal principles. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

The Past and Present of Studies on Metaphor Processing and Understanding: From Implicit Comparison to Concept Construction WU Shiyu, MA Zheng 2013, 13 (02):  22-27.  Abstract ( 303 )   PDF (1062KB) ( 77 )   Metaphor processing and understanding (MPU) has been a focus of studies in question and has experienced a long history of evolution, which could be traced back to the works of Aristotle who started the tradition of implicit comparison in MPU. Followers conducted studies under such frameworks as the pure matching theory, salience imbalance theory, and domain-interaction theories. There is no dying that significant achievements had been being made ever since, yet the divergence of views in this research field is what helps move forward studies on MPU. A remarkable trend is studies conducted under a new research paradigm, the concept construction of MPU. The present article offered explanations from three research theories: theory of lexical pragmatics, theory of Recanati's, and theory of class-inclusion. It is believed that MPU involves both the use of previously acquired concepts and the creation of new ones, the ad hoc concepts. The ad hoc concept results from concept broadening and concept narrowing, a general pragmatic process of concept adjustment. Explanations from the three research models have offered important insights into metaphor processing and understanding. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

What Kind of Exercises Facilitate L2 Learning? WANG Chuming 2013, 13 (02):  28-31.  Abstract ( 250 )   PDF (653KB) ( 108 )   This paper sets out to analyze some commonly used language learning exercises with a view to improving L2 learning and teaching efficiency. For this, five basic features which are taken to facilitate language use have been identified via an examination of L1 dialogue. These features can serve as criteria for judging the strengths and weaknesses of L2 exercises and do much to inform L2 teaching practices. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

A Revisit to the Connotation and Development Process of English Postgraduates' Academic Competence WANG Xuemei 2013, 13 (02):  32-36.  Abstract ( 244 )   PDF (2676KB) ( 87 )   Under the background of globalization and internationalization, the development of English postgraduates' academic competence has been increasingly important. Relevant literature review indicates that there are few researches concerned. By means of critical thinking, this study classifies academic competence into academic competence and meta-academic competence. The former can be further divided into language competence (foreign language competence and native language competence), knowledge competence (competence for knowledge construct and application) and research competence (general and creative research competence). The development of academic competence will lead to the cultivation of academic awareness. From the perspective of this connotation, it further points out that under the influence of both internal and external factors, individual English postgraduate will improve his academic competence via learning, practice and research. From the perspective of relevant factors concerning postgraduate education, it points out that based on the needs analysis and follow relevant programs, English postgraduates will improve their academic competence via developing cultivation goals, curricula design, teaching materials, supervision, evaluation, etc. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

A Neural Network Based Recognition Technology of Blank Test Items and Its Application in CET Constructive Item Rating XIAO Wei, GU Xiangdong 2013, 13 (02):  37-40.  Abstract ( 209 )   PDF (1305KB) ( 87 )   In large-scale and high-stakes test rating, we often have to mark unanswered test-items. If these items can be recognized automatically, the rating efficiency will be improved and the cost will be reduced. This study intends to develop a neural network based recognition technology of blank test items, and discuss its application in CET constructive item rating. While extracting the standard deviation of the standard deviations of row and column vectors of image pixel gray value matrix as characteristic parameters, choosing Elman as experimental model, traindx as training function, learngdm as learning function, tansig and logsig as the transfer function of hidden layer and output layer, and optimizing through adjusting the number of neurons in hidden layer, this technology succeeds in obtaining a good recognition effect with little computing effort, thus saving human resources while guaranteeing the correctness of recognition. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

An Ontology-based Study of Foreign Language Studies in China YAO Zhenjun, ZHENG Xuhong 2013, 13 (02):  41-44.  Abstract ( 190 )   PDF (1900KB) ( 96 )   References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Language, Culture and Translation SU Zhenglong 2013, 13 (02):  45-49.  Abstract ( 449 )   PDF (2205KB) ( 119 )   Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Translation of Wordplay—A Case Study on Xixi's Novel Flying Carpet and Its English Translation by Diana Yue Cynthia Sau-kuen TSUI (XU Xiujuan) 2013, 13 (02):  50-56.  Abstract ( 425 )   PDF (1263KB) ( 89 )   Wordplay appeals to readers' knowledge of the cultural context of a work and native competence in the written language. The linguistic and cultural gaps between Chinese and English make wordplay a seemingly insurmountable barrier in translation. The Hong Kong writer Xixi is known for her keenness in wordplay. Her novel Flying Carpet is characteristic in this respect. However, in her English translation Diana Yue responded to the challenges posed by Xixi's wordplay effectively. It is seen that the translator solved the problems of wordplay entirely on the textual level without resorting to the aid of footnotes. Yue's translation methods are therefore a topic of interest in academic study. In this essay, I will identify and classify the wordplay examples by comparing Xixi's original work and Yue's English translation. I will also conduct a detailed analysis on the translation problems of each wordplay, and Yue's strategies and techniques in coping with each of them. As a conclusion, I will evaluate the success and shortcomings of Yue's translation, and establish a set of principles and methods in wordplay translation between Chinese and English. My goal, at last, is to demonstrate that wordplay is translatable. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Australian Modern Literature and Its Criticism: An Interview with Elizabeth Webby PENG Qinglong 2013, 13 (02):  57-60.  Abstract ( 249 )   PDF (720KB) ( 109 )   Related Articles | Metrics

Select

An Interview with Tim Winton LIU Yunqiu 2013, 13 (02):  61-65.  Abstract ( 291 )   PDF (945KB) ( 80 )   Related Articles | Metrics

Book Reviews

Select

A Review of Language Assessment in Practice MIN Shangchao 2013, 13 (02):  69-71.  Abstract ( 210 )   PDF (443KB) ( 46 )   References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

A Review of Posthumanism in American Postmodernist Fiction HU Chunyan 2013, 13 (02):  72-73.  Abstract ( 253 )   PDF (379KB) ( 77 )   References | Related Articles | Metrics