The Cognitive Approach To Chinese Non-prototypical VO Constructions

The thesis is a cognitive study of the Chinese non-stereotypical VO constructions with the cognitive theories (stcrcotype category theory, metonymy, metaphor, cognitive frames, cognitive principles, construction grammar) in the hope to find the motivations behind the generation and understanding of the constructions.It is argued in this thesis that many Chinese non-stereotypical VO constructions are the results of metaphorical and metonymical mechanisms. In addition, cognitive frames, cognitive principles and stereotypical relations also shed some light on the generation and understanding of the constructions. The thesis consists of six parts:The first part briefly reviews the related literature, and makes an introduction of both the scope, the goals of the research and the methods and the theories it adopts.In the second part, we define Chinese typical and non-prototypical VO constructions with prototype category theory. Transitivity is discussed here in detail in order to make clear of the definition of non-typical VO constructions.In the third part, we classify the constructions into five main types on the basis of meanings and functions of objects and closely examine the semantic and syntactic features of each type. We analyze 'V+ Instrument O', 'V+ Material O', 'V+ Manner O', 'V+ Location O' and 'V+ Motivation O' constructions respectively.The fourth part is devoted to cognitive motivations behind Chinese non-prototypical VO constructions. We'll make a comprehensive study of them with the cognitive theories of metonymy, metaphor, cognitive principles, cognitive frames and construction grammar.In the fifth part, Chinese 'Vi+ O' construction is under close scrutiny.The last chapter is the concluding part in which the major findings, limitations and future directions are stated.