A Study On Vocabulary Interpretation Of TCFL Comprehensive Textbooks

Study on TCFL textbook vocabulary is widely carried out on vocabulary arrangement, vocabulary selection, word list design and vocabulary exercises. It plays a positive role in TCFL textbook compilation and Chinese teaching. However, we note that it is weak in the study of vocabulary interpretation. Undoubtedly, this is a great pity to the improvement of vocabulary teaching and the development of the cause of TCFL. In view of this, based on "Boya Chinese", published by Peking University Press from 2004 to 2006, we carry out the research on vocabulary interpretation of TCFL comprehensive textbooks.On the basis of exhaustive analysis to the object, this paper presents a comprehensive description and analysis of interpretation types, interpretation contents, interpretation models and illustrative examples. The research also includes interpretation nature, interpretation effect and comparison between textbook and dictionary interpretation. Then it forms an all-round study on vocabulary interpretation of TCFL textbooks.On types of interpretation languages, the textbooks adopt three ways, namely "Chinese only, English only, English + Chinese". Different proportion is found on different levels of textbooks. From the primary to the advanced level, the development process proceeds as "vocabulary contrast manual→bilingual dictionary→semi Chinese-English dictionary→single Chinese dictionary", which coincides with the theory of development model of vocabulary acquisition proposed by Nan Jiang.On the aspect of English interpretation, there are mainly three groups of interpretation named as synonymous words and phrases interpretation - detailed explanation, returning translation - transliteration and grammar annotation -pragmatic annotation. Synonymous words and phrases interpretation is the most widely used method, accounting for approximately 90%.This is because one of the most important tasks of word list translation is to provide insertable equivalent words of the source language, which is of significant value for learners to quickly grasp the vocabulary of the target language. On the aspect of Chinese interpretation, in interpretation models, descriptive and explaining interpretation, synonymous words and phrases interpretation, and morpheme interpretation account the largest proportion. In defining meta-language, many words in use are from Syllabus of Graded Words and Characters for Chinese Proficiency and characters are mostly in common usage. In interpretation length, short length interpretations dominant, showing the tightness of interpretation. In interpretation principles, the textbooks possess characteristics of gradualness, explaining new words by using learned ones, and moderate difficulty.On the aspect of interpretation components, the textbooks label connotation (colloquial meaning, colorful meaning) and systemic meaning (application scope), which are of important value to vocabulary teaching and students' demand. On the aspect of sense selection, we hold that words with a new meaning are new ones. Sense selection of textbooks should take into consideration frequently and infrequently used meaning, basic and extended meaning, unrestricted and restricted meaning, abstract and specific meaning, text and non-text meaning, complying with principles of connection, sublimation and coordination.On the aspect of illustrative examples, there are more examples in semi-intermediate textbooks than in intermediate ones. Examples in Sentences are more conducive to language generation. There exist problems such as usage repetition, unmatched with word senses, insufficiency in usage illustration, lack of relative conjunctions.On the aspect of interpretation effect, different proportion of interpretation in English and Chinese are in keeping with students' level. "Interpretation + Illustrative Examples" is more conducive to language generation. On the aspect of differences between textbook interpretation and dictionary interpretation, there are many aspects of distinction, such as carrier, function, objective, style, sense number, context information, pragmatic label and grammar label. Being aware of these differences, it would be better for vocabulary interpretation in textbook compilation.Vocabulary interpretation of textbooks is of great significance for textbook compilation and evaluation, vocabulary teaching and acquisition, and lexicography. In the field of textbook compilation, vocabulary depth (quality) has prominent value in second language acquisition. Textbook compilation and evaluation should attach importance not just to vocabulary size (quantity), but vocabulary depth. In the field of vocabulary teaching and acquisition, appropriate vocabulary interpretation not only helps teachers improve teaching efficiency, but also considerably facilitate students' preview and review, enhancing interest and confidence in language learning. In the field of lexicography, interpretation is the core of it, directly representing the quality of a dictionary. Currently, TCFL is implemented in a hierarchical level. Compiling proper learners' dictionary, according to different levels of learners and applying appropriate interpretation, would assist students in understanding the present by reviewing the past and arise the enthusiasm of students' study.