Research On Realization Of Themes In Yan Shu's Song Lyrics From The Perspective Of Figure-Ground Theory

Since Song lyrics are gems in classical Chinese culture,it is necessary to critically inherit Song lyrics.As Yan Shu is a representative of the first-generation poets in the Northern Song Dynasty,numerous scholars have done a large amount of detailed and instructive research on his Song lyrics.However,it is found that the previous research in this field can be further implemented.Thus,starting from themes in Yan Shu's Song lyrics and based on the figure-ground theory,this thesis explores theme realization forms in senses.The figure-ground theory is a fundamental theory in cognitive linguistics.In 1915,Edgar Rubin first put forward the pair of terms—Figure and Ground.A figure is the part which is highly structured and preferentially noticed by perceivers.However,a ground is the vague part,serving as the reference point for the figure so as to make it more prominent.In the thesis,six pieces of Yan Shu's Song lyrics are taken as the research objects.From the perspectives of the visual figure-ground,the auditory figure-ground,and the tactile figure-ground,the thesis explores the poet's ingenious arrangements in senses for highlighting certain themes among various descriptions.The visual figure-ground implies that in the visual sense,some part can be preferentially perceived as a figure,and the rest part serves as the ground to highlight the figure.Since a great number of visual descriptions exist in Song lyrics,the effect of the visual figure-ground on theme realization can be achieved by use of visual sensory words or unusual collocation.Compared with the number of visual descriptions,the number of both auditory and tactile descriptions is relatively smaller.Since a thing is highly priced if it is rare,the “advantage” in number can help themes be grasped easily.Besides,the effect of the auditory figure-ground on theme realization can be achieved by use of auditory sensory words and onomatopoeia;it can also be achieved by the adoption of what is only received through ears.The effect of the tactile figure-ground on theme realization can also be achieved by use of tactile sensory words and uncommon collocation.On the basis of these three perspectives,two pieces of Yan Shu's Song lyrics are taken as examples respectively to elaborate on theme realization in Yan Shu's works from the related realization forms above.Prominence in senses is beneficial to the preferential perception of the part which is closely related to themes.Apparently,the figure-ground theory is constructive to the analysis of theme realization in Yan Shu's Song lyrics.This thesis focuses on the prominence in senses,which provides a single but detailed angle for theme realization in Yan Shu's Song lyrics.The combination of the figure-ground theory and Song lyrics appreciation plays a vital role in deepening humans' understanding of the primary cognitive principle,which is constructive to the promotion of Song lyrics afterwords.