Changes in Word Meaning Historical changes of words Juliet speaks to Romeo: “I am too fond” refers to “I am too foolish” 汉语中的“臭”,“风流”“吾爱孟夫子,风流天下闻”。 Extension of meaning Holiday:Holy day Bird: young bird Arrive: arrive at the bank 英语词义变迁有四种结果:语义的大、缩小、变褒、贬低 ⑴词义的扩大: Extension of meaning holiday -holy day-any day you have break. Bird-young bird-any animal that can fly. Arrive-arrive at the river bank-arrive at any place. ⑵词义缩小: narrowing of meaning Deer=animal in middle English Girl=young person in middle English ⑶感情意义转移:变成褒义: elevation of meaning constable =“an attendant at the stable” and then“a police officer” queen =“woman”=“the female king” ⑷变成贬义: degradation of meaning villain = “farmer”=“criminal 罪犯” mistress= opposite to mister= “情妇” ⑶词语意义的更新: 随着社会生活的变化,有些词保留下来,但是意义却发生变化,原来的意义被新的意义所代替。如“兵”原来的意义是指兵器(如“坚甲利兵”),后来变成“战士”,原来的意义不存在了。 Causes of change Historical reasons: Ullmann (1977) “It often happens that language is more conservative than civilization, material as well as moral objects, institutions, ideas, scientific concepts change in the course of time; yet in many cases the name is retained and thus helps to ensure a sense of tradition and continuity”. Social reasons: Ullmann (1977): “Change in word meaning resulting from a constant verbal traffic mon words and various technical words is referred to as social cause of semantic change”.
