Viewing The Distinction Between Parataxis And Hypotaxis Through Chinese-English Contrast Of "N₁的N₂"

This dissertation systematically studies the phrase"N₁ çš„ N₂" in the contrast and translation under the guidance of Three-plane Grammatical Theory. In this way it helps us not only understand deeply the characteristics of "N₁ çš„ N₂" ,but also recognize fully the distinction between parataxis and hypotaxis of Chinese and English through analyzing the object from different angles and levels on the principles of integration of form and meaning and of static state and dynamic state, supplementing with the knowledge of cognitive linguistics, functional linguistics, English grammar, etc. It consists of three parts: introduction, body, conclusion.The introduction tells the definition of parataxis and hypotaxis, the achievements, importance, theory and method of the study on parataxis and hypotaxis. The body contrasts "N₁ çš„ N₂" structure of Chinese and of English in form, meaning, the omission of " çš„ " .In form, English has multiple means of formal changing, such as number, affix, determiner, etc. Noun can be confirmed by these formal means. While the formal means of Chinese are less developed than of English, it has no formal means indicating the word's part of speech. Noun has neither markedness of part of speech in the word such as number, affix, nor has markedness of part of speech outside the word such as determiner. In addition, Chinese has no prepositional phrase as means of linkage, it pays more attention to the coherence of meaning. Therefore, English shows the characteristics of hypotaxis, Chinese values parataxis.In semantic meaning, syntactic connection can not be confirmed by the appearance of form in Chinese. Just as Chinese lacks necessary formal indication, the grammatical relations are in ambiguous state. It tends to occur the ambiguity of "N₁ çš„ N₂", which is the result of valuing parataxis. While the form of "N₁ çš„ N₂" structure in English is strict, formal indication is noticeable. We can confirm syntactic connection by the appearance of form, hence, there are few chances to occur the ambiguity of "N₁ çš„ N₂". It is obvious that English values markedness. The form implies the semantic meaning, the form is complete and the semantic meaning is overt. Semantic meaning can be analysed from the structure. Whereas Chinese pays attention to parataxis. The function of a word is usually showed according to context, namely structure can be analysed from the semantic meaning.In ""N₁ çš„ N₂" structure of Chinese, "çš„" can be omitted, that will not have influence on semantic meaning. "çš„" as syntagmatic means is not necessary. Not like Chinese, in English, of and -s as equivalent of "çš„" of "N₁ çš„ N₂" structure cannot be omitted unless on some conditions. They are indispensable as syntagmatic element in English.The conclusion sums up the main views of this dissertation.