A Study On Decategorization Of Psycho-Verbs

The paper is about de-categorization of psycho-verbs. Based on de-categorization theory, it has taken psycho-verbs in modern Chinese as study object, examining transitivity of these verbs to analyze the de-categorizing phenomena.Categorization is one of the most important characteristics in the process of cognition. In Chinese language, words are classified into different categories, which is exactly the result of categorization. Proto-type inspired us: the bounds of various word categories are ambiguous. In each category, there are always some members are prototypical while some others are non-prototypical. Contrasting with prototypical members, non-prototypical members have more or less missed some grammatical functions, which mean de-categorization of words.De-categorization, as an important part of categorization, is consequence of unceasing change taken place in human's cognition. De-categorization effectively explained the cause that how some categorized members become non-prototypical. Psycho-verbs is a minor sort in verb category, however, these verbs are different from the prototypical members as behavior verbs in the category, in terms of both semantic and syntax. The paper has applied transitivity parameters into comparing psycho-verbs with prototypical members of verb category to observe the position of psycho-verbs in verb category, coming into conclusion that psycho-verbs are not typical members in verb category and they have de-categorized to some extent. Meanwhile, through the comparisons among psycho-verbs, the paper shall get to the results of de-categorization among psycho-verbs of sorts and also explore the reasons of de-categorization from angle of syntax and cognition.The paper consists of four parts:In the first part of the paper, it has given a brief introduction of theory basis, including categorization and de-categorization as well as of research method, namely transitivity. Besides, the first part has also determined the study object and highlighted the significance of the paper.The second part has classified the psycho-verbs, and by the means of study on transitivity of these verbs and on the independence of their objects, has differ the transitivity between psycho-verbs and proto-typical behavior verbs as well as the transitivity among psycho-verbs, hereby, getting to the first judgment of different grades of de-categorization among various psycho-verbs. The third part has discussed the results of de-categorization among psycho-verbs of sorts, exploring the causes of their de-categorization.At last, the paper has come to a conclusion on the contribution and shortcomings of this paper.