The Study Of Mutation, Adaptation And Dynamic Life-cycle In Memetics

Memetics is a new theory which aims to explain the rule of cultural evolution on the basis of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. It offers us a new point of view to watch and study language, culture phenomena. Although there is some suspicion on it, but it couldn't disguise its great power. At present, a lot of scholars have performed much study on memetics. The consequences indicate memetics can interpreter many cultural phenomena which couldn't be explained clearly in the past. Presently, most studies focus on the combinations study of memetics with other fields. Buy we couldn't neglect the study of memetics itself isn't perfect. Fortunately, there have been some experts who begin to study the theory itself.In fact, the memetics isn't ripe at all. We know a little about its fields. Strictly, the meme theory is still a hypothesis. So the theory isn't perfect. We don't know its history, function, ingredient and value. In other words, we don't know its law and condition of application yet. Therefore, the study of meme needs to be strengthened further. The author suggests that the study of meme theory will benefit for the comprehension of its inner secret and give us a hand to understand special rule of application. This is the premise of further development. So I struggle to put it forward a little forward on the basis of formers'study. My viewpoint is:Author analyses the mutation of memetic. Before this, mutation is seen as threat to the development of meme. However, author finds that mutation is helpful for meme. The causes of mutation come not only from external world but also internal world. External factors come into effect through internal element. Factually, mutation is necessary premise of survival. Certainly, there should be a balance point between fidelity and mutation. The balance point is good for development of meme, but also keeps meme from dying away. In all, mutation is evitable result of meme development. At last, author explores the concrete forms of language meme mutation.In the forth part, author explores the adaptation of memetics. I think adaptation is absolute necessary capacity of survivial and development of meme. In the paper, I extend some factors which influence adaptation of memetics, including physical, social and mental world, communicative aims, and linguistic structure and so on. So we can say mutation and adaptation are the same important as other three characteristics: fidelity, longevity and fecundity.In the fifth part, on the base of mutation and adaptation, author explores the life-cycle of memetcs. Result shows us a meme must go through four phases in its life-cycle. The life-cycle is dynamic, spiral developmental. Apart from these, author also explores the factors which affect the life-cycle of meme, including reproduction ability, medium, understanding and interests, threat and bait, pro- and contra-meme, cognitive structure of potential vectors, survives ability, feedback and so on. Finally, author thinks the study in the paper is limited and slight.