英语会话中从指示词this到回指词it的转换分析_英语论文

An Analysis of a Shift from Deictic “this” to Anaphoric “it” in English Conversations

摘要

在英语对话中我们经常会看到一种语言现象，那就是在本该沿用this的时候我们选择使用it来代替。本文旨在探究为什么会出现从指示词this到回指词it的转换。目前 ，对回指的研究主要有层级结构模式，主题连续性模式，认知模式和语用学模式这四种方法。而本文将把这四种针对回指提出的研究方法同时运用于回指和指示。即本文将从上述四个模式的角度去分析英语会话中从指示词this到回指词it的转换,旨在更好地阐明指示词与回指词的异同，从而揭示这种出现这种转换背后隐藏的原因。

关键词：指示；回指；it；this；转换

Abstract 

In English conversations, we sometimes come across the linguistic phenomenon in which “it” is used where “this” according to the grammar should be used. So this essay aims to analyze why this shift from deictic “this” to anaphoric “it” should occur. Based on the hierarchy model, topic-continuity model, cognitive model and pragmatic model proposed to approach anaphora, this essay applies these four models to both anaphora and deixis. That is to say, this essay will explain the shift from deictic “this” to anaphoric “it” from these four perspectives, so that we could better clarify the similarities and distinctions between these two terms. And also hidden reasons behind this shift will be revealed.

Keywords: anaphora; deixis; this; it; shift  

Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1Research background 1

1.2 Aims and Significance of the study 1

1.3 Research questions 2

1.4 Structure of the study 2

2. Literature review 3

2.1 Review of the study of anaphora 3

2.2 Review of the study of deixis 4

3. Contrastive and comparative study of anaphora and deixis 6

3.1 The similarities between anaphora and deixis 6

3.1.1 Forms or expressions of reference 6

3.1.2 Contextualization 6

3.2 The differences between anaphora and deixis 7

4. A shift from deictic “this” to anaphoric “it” 10

4.1 The hierarchy model 10

4.2 The topic continuity model 10

4.3 The cognitive model 12

4.4 The pragmatic model 13

4.5 Summary 15

5. Conclusion 16

5.1 Summary of this essay 16

5.2 Pedagogical implications 16

5.3 Limitations and further research 16

References 17