3.中英思维方式的对比.ppt

中英思维方式对比 Differences Mode of thinking Relation between thought and language Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis As we examine the way in which words and structures are used to express meaning, it is natural to wonder about the possibility that language might play a role in shaping how we think. While it is certainly plausible to believe that language facilitates reasoning and problem solving by providing a way to represent complex thoughts, it has sometimes been proposed that linguistic systems might have a considerably more fundamental effect on cognition. Indeed, it has been suggested that the particular language people speak shapes the way in which they think and perceive the world. Sapir: Human beings… are very much at the mercy of the particular language which has become the medium of expression for their society… the ‘real world’ is to a large extent unconsciously built upon the language habits of the group. (1929) Whorf: We dissect nature along lines laid down by our native languages. The categories and types that we isolate from the world of phenomena we do not find there because they stare every observer in the face; on the contrary, the world is presented in a kaleidoscopic flux of impressions which has to be organized by our minds - and this means largely by the linguistic systems in our minds. 申小龙: 英语是一种物理空间体(The English language is a continuous body of PHYSICAL space) 汉语是一种心理时间流(Chinese is a flow of MENTAL time) Major differences 1)English: parataxis; Chinese: hypotaxis (英语重形合，汉语重意合） Hypotaxis：the dependent or subordinate relationship of clauses with connectives. Or subordinate status of clause e.g. I will go when I am ready. Parataxis: the placing of propositions or clauses one after another, without indicating by connecting words the relation (of coordination or subordination) between them, as in Tell me, how are you? English: formal cohesion and coherence, individualized thinking, synthetic(形合) Chinese:analytic, abstract, suggestive (意合) Ex