A Contrastive Study On The Mapping Of Coordinating Conjunctions:Based On Semantic Maps

Considering the complexity of the form-meaning expression,study on coordinating conjunctions is a hot topic and also difficult both at home and abroad.This paper focuses on the coordinating conjunctions in ten languages to explore the universals and diversities of form-meaning expression by using Semantic Maps.Through a cross-linguistic comparison and contrast,some major findings are as follows: On the Conceptual Space,the paper verifies and optimizes the Conceptual Spaces constructed by former scholars through cross-linguistic investigation.Firstly,this paper verifies “Conjunctive-Additive-Progressive” linking pattern.Secondly,this paper optimizes some nodes and establishes their linking patterns like the linking among “Conjunctive”,“Consecutive”,“Result” and “Purpose”.Thirdly,semantic function “Condition” is added and related linking pattern is optimized.On the similarities and differences of coordinating conjunctions,this paper draws semantic maps to explain the universal implications and diversities.In addition,the similarities and differences are visualized in a scaling way in Multi-dimensional Unfolding(MDU).On the potential reasons of above form-meaning similarities and differences,this paper gives several dimensions as Prototypes and Interaction,Language Contact,and Conceptual Transfer Hypothesis.This study aims to improve the existing coordinating conjunction research.Through the application of the Semantic Map,it compensates for the inadequacies of the existing research methods.At the same time,it also provides a possible explanation for the variation pattern of coordinating conjunctions.