选题理由
Humans are constantly surrounded by various spaces and strive to understand them The concept of space is both familiar and abstract, deeply intertwined with human thought, psychology, and language From a physical perspective, space is a relatively objective reality, while from a cognitive standpoint, it becomes a subjective representation Individuals use their senses, perceptions, imagery, and thoughts to comprehend space, often expressing their understanding through language when necessary The linguistic characteristics of space perception reflect the psychological, cultural, and social backgrounds of different ethnic groups.
The study of spatial issues has long been a focus of linguists, evolving from traditional approaches that explore spatial terms and locations to new perspectives that examine space from a cognitive standpoint Cognitive linguistics, an emerging field, has yielded significant insights into spatial categories within language, offering a fresh understanding of various linguistic phenomena Cognitive linguists generally agree that spatial concepts are fundamental, as both concrete and abstract ideas in human cognition are interpreted through spatial frameworks By investigating language through the lens of spatial cognition, we can gain insights into the distinctive characteristics of how different languages perceive and conceptualize the world.
Recent research in cognitive linguistics has been increasingly prominent in China and Vietnam, with linguists exploring and comparing the cognitive elements behind language Both Chinese and Vietnamese share many cognitive similarities, yet they also exhibit unique characteristics in fundamental cognitive areas However, compared to studies related to cognitive aspects of the Chinese language, particularly in spatial categories, there is a scarcity of research on Vietnamese There has been no systematic comparative study of spatial category cognition between Chinese and Vietnamese This study aims to compare the spatial cognition of both languages, seeking to provide a more comprehensive description of their spatial categories from the perspective of cognitive linguistics.
This study explores the cognitive similarities between Chinese and Vietnamese languages, highlighting their shared characteristics while also illustrating the unique aspects of each language's cognitive framework.
Based on the aforementioned reasons, we have chosen the research topic "A Comparative Study of Spatial Category Cognition in Chinese and Vietnamese Languages" for our thesis.
研究目的及研究任务
研究目的
The purpose of this research paper is to conduct a macro comparison of spatial categories in Chinese and Vietnamese, while also exploring specific micro issues when necessary to highlight the similarities and differences between the two languages The study examines spatial reference relationships, semantic elements involved in spatial concepts, and structural differences in sentences Through this comparative analysis, we aim to contribute to the ongoing research in both Chinese and Vietnamese languages, providing valuable reference material for scholars in cognitive linguistics and those engaged in comparative studies of these languages.
研究任务
论文的研究任务主要包括以下几个方面：
This article provides a comprehensive diachronic overview of the current research on spatial categories in Chinese and Vietnamese languages, alongside a synchronic analysis It aims to establish a theoretical foundation for a macro-comparative study of spatial categories in both languages.
This article explores the theoretical principles and practical manifestations of spatial category semantics and syntax in Chinese and Vietnamese It highlights the similarities and differences in how these two languages conceptualize spatial categories, providing insights into their cognitive frameworks.
This article compares the spatial metaphors in Chinese and Vietnamese, highlighting the similarities and differences in their characteristics Through this analysis, it reveals the unique psychological tendencies present in the cognitive processes of both cultures.
论文的研究方法
The primary research methods employed in this study include descriptive analysis, comparative analysis, a combination of qualitative and quantitative research, as well as an integration of macro and micro research approaches.
The descriptive analysis method examines the cognitive phenomena of spatial categories in Chinese and Vietnamese, highlighting their characteristics It provides a comprehensive depiction of the rules and systems governing spatial positioning in both languages, as well as their linguistic expressions and metaphorical representations of spatial concepts Building on the various cognitive models emphasized in Chinese and Vietnamese, the analysis summarizes their unique spatial cognition features The comparative analysis method then contrasts the findings from the descriptive analysis, identifying similarities and differences in the cognitive representations of spatial categories in both languages While Chinese and Vietnamese share many semantic and syntactic similarities, distinct differences arise, particularly influenced by geographic space, cultural backgrounds, and psychological traits This comparative approach further elucidates the commonalities and individualities in the spatial cognition of Chinese and Vietnamese.
Combining qualitative and quantitative research, this study analyzes various data on spatial categories in Chinese and Vietnamese languages through statistical methods Based on the results of the quantitative analysis, the data is described, summarized, and inductively concluded to provide qualitative insights.
Combining macro and micro research is essential for studying spatial cognition This approach involves exploring language phenomena through cognitive linguistics theories such as spatial metaphors, image schemas, and cognitive grammar from a macro perspective, while also summarizing theories based on lexical and syntactic language phenomena from a micro perspective This integration ensures comprehensive research outcomes that clarify the overall cognitive framework of spatial categories in both Chinese and Vietnamese languages.
研究范围、研究对象及语料来源
研究范围
This article examines the various representations of spatial categories in language and the rationale behind them, focusing on a comparative analysis of spatial semantics in modern Chinese and Vietnamese The scope of spatial research is extensive, and we approach it from two main perspectives: one is a linguistic study of directional and locative words in Chinese, and the other involves the comparison of existential constructions in both Chinese and Vietnamese.
The article explores the examination of vocabulary and structures in relation to cognitive semantics, focusing on aspects such as spatial metaphors, the prototypical categorization of space, and fundamental cognitive domains of space.
Due to the extensive and complex nature of content expressed through spatial categories, this article does not aim to encompass all aspects of reality; instead, we will focus on a select portion for comparative study.
研究对象
According to the relationship between language, thought, and reality, space can be categorized into physical space, cognitive space, and linguistic space Cognitive space, which is abstract, serves as a mediator between physical and linguistic spaces and must be understood through both The spatial categories we study fall within cognitive space, requiring an examination of various linguistic phenomena in reality for comprehension From this mediating perspective and based on prototype category theory, we can summarize cognitive space categories into three: entity categories, which represent the object itself; orientation categories, which depict the object's state of existence; and displacement categories, which illustrate the object's mode of movement.
This article explores the cognitive comparison of spatial categories in Chinese and Vietnamese through various linguistic fields, including contrastive linguistics, cognitive linguistics, semantics, and structural linguistics It aims to provide a macro-level comparison while delving into specific micro-level issues when necessary The study examines spatial entities, locations, movements, and shapes from both semantic and syntactic perspectives, highlighting the relationship between spatial semantic categories and syntactic components such as parts of speech Additionally, the research encompasses the characteristics of spatial metaphors, focusing on prominent cognitive domains such as quantity, time, state, scope, and social relationships.
语料来源
The content of this article primarily derives from contemporary dictionaries and literary works in Chinese and Vietnamese, as well as the CCL Corpus Retrieval System at Peking University and various online corpora.
The article discusses the use of various linguistic resources, including the CNCorpus, BCC corpus, and VietLex, alongside relevant academic papers and modern linguistic works in Chinese and Vietnamese It primarily references Qi Huyang's 2014 study on modern Chinese language usage.
语现实空间的认知研究》（商务印书馆出版社）、Lý Toàn Thắng (2005),
Ngôn ngữ học tri nhận: Từ lý thuyết đại cương đến thực tiễn tiếng Việt
（NXB khoa học Xã hội）、Lakoff & Johnson (1980)，The metaphor we live by （University Of Chicago Press）的经典例子。
论文的理论与实践意义
Research on spatial cognition has yielded significant results, with an increasing prevalence of studies comparing Chinese and Vietnamese ontologies While there is a wealth of comparative research on spatial cognitive semantics and metaphors in Chinese, primarily involving languages such as English, Japanese, Korean, and Russian, studies comparing Chinese and Vietnamese remain limited These comparisons often focus on traditional lexical and syntactic approaches to spatial issues Consequently, existing literature on the comparison of spatial categories in Chinese and Vietnamese either overlooks cognitive perspectives or addresses only specific components of spatial categories, resulting in a fragmented understanding that lacks comprehensiveness and generalizability.
Building on previous research, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of spatial cognition in Chinese and Vietnamese, offering a comprehensive comparison that addresses the current imbalance in the study of spatial issues in modern Chinese and Vietnamese Utilizing cognitive linguistics theories, the paper describes various characteristics of spatial categories in both languages, identifying their similarities and differences Consequently, the findings enhance the theoretical framework of Chinese-Vietnamese comparisons and provide valuable reference material for further research in cognitive linguistics.
Language reflects an individual's understanding of the objective world, with each ethnic group's language characteristics shaped by their cognitive traits The study and application of language extend beyond mere form, requiring an exploration of the deeper cognitive mechanisms involved Consequently, analyzing language cognition aids in explaining and utilizing various linguistic phenomena effectively.
The paper focuses on the commonalities and distinct characteristics of spatial categories in Chinese and Vietnamese from the perspective of cognitive linguistics It highlights the similarities and differences in their mechanisms and manifestations, clarifying the syntactic structures that reflect the spatial cognitive features inherent in both languages.
The study of vocabulary in Chinese and Vietnamese provides insights into the syntax, lexicon, and spatial metaphors of these languages, helping to explain linguistic phenomena that structuralist approaches often overlook By highlighting the influence of cultural, psychological, and social backgrounds on language comprehension and usage, the research offers valuable practical insights for Chinese language teaching and translation It aids learners in grasping cognitive mechanisms and models, facilitating a deeper engagement with the language and enhancing their understanding of the formal and semantic distinctions between languages, ultimately overcoming barriers related to expression and metaphor.
论文的结构
除了引言、参考文献、附录，论文的结构分为三章：
第一章: 汉、越语空间范畴认知研究总论
This chapter reviews and summarizes the research on spatial category cognition in Chinese and Vietnamese, highlighting the achievements in the literature while emphasizing the need for comparative studies between the spatial cognition in these two languages By identifying existing issues through the literature review, the paper outlines its research direction, providing a comprehensive overview of the theoretical foundations of cognitive linguistics and spatial categories that support this research focus.
第二章：汉、越语空间范畴的语义对比研究
This chapter conducts a comparative analysis of spatial semantic categories in Chinese and Vietnamese, focusing on entities, locations, displacement, and shapes It aims to clarify the similarities and differences in cognitive aspects between the two languages within each category and provides a comprehensive summary of the findings.
第三章：汉、越语空间范畴隐喻对比研究
This chapter examines the conceptual characteristics of spatial metaphors in Chinese and Vietnamese, providing a comparative analysis of how both languages express fundamental cognitive domains such as quantity, time, state, scope, and social relationships.
汉、越语空间范畴认知研究总论
汉、越语空间范畴认知研究综述
1.1.1 汉语空间范畴的相关研究
1.1.1.1 汉语中对空间的传统研究
The issue of spatial representation has long been a focus for Chinese linguists, with traditional studies commonly addressing spatial categories through the examination of directional and locative words.
The first systematic work on Chinese grammar, "Ma's Writings" (1898), discusses the usage of terms such as "fang," "di," and "chu." Additionally, Chen Chengze's "Draft of National Language Grammar" (1922) also includes a list of nouns associated with "suo."
Li Jinxu, in his 1924 work "New Chinese Grammar," highlights the significance of directional words such as "east," "west," "south," "north," "left," "right," "up," "down," "inside," and "outside." Scholars have noted the unique grammatical properties of these directional terms, emphasizing their grammatical functions and semantic descriptions However, many researchers approach the classification of these words from a semantic perspective, which can lead to confusion between directional words and other parts of speech (Wang Lin, 2009).
关于处所词的系统研究始于二十世纪 40 年代，吕叔湘在《中国文 法要略》(1944)一书中专章讨论汉语的方所问题，提出了方所词的概念。 他还较为详细地讨论了方位词的语法功能。
In "Place, Time, and Orientation" (1956), Wen Lian acknowledges that nouns representing places possess unique characteristics distinct from general nouns However, he does not advocate for categorizing "place words" as a separate subclass of nouns; instead, he recognizes directional words as a subclass of nouns since they encompass both time and space, thereby serving to indicate locations Additionally, Ding Shengshu and others published "Modern Chinese Grammar" in 1961, which further explores these concepts.
In 1961, Ding Shengshu and others highlighted the widespread recognition of directional words as a distinct category, emphasizing their significance in linguistic studies Zhu Dexi's "Grammar Lectures" also reflects this deep understanding among scholars, indicating a growing research perspective on the importance of directional terms.
Zhao Yuanren (1968) and Zhu Dexi (1982) categorized locative words as a distinct class of nouns based on their syntactic functions, separating them from regular nouns This classification was outlined in "Modern Chinese Eight Hundred Words" (1980).
In the 11th edition of "Key Points of Modern Chinese Grammar," locative words are classified as an independent word category alongside nouns, verbs, and adjectives However, there remains disagreement regarding their classification; for instance, Zhang Yisheng (2000) categorizes locative words as function words, while Liu Danqing (2003) refers to them as postpositional locatives, grouping them with prepositions under the broader category of prepositions.
During this period, scholars primarily focused on the study of spatial aspects of language through the lenses of word classes and syntactic functions, emphasizing and investigating the significance of locative words.
1.1.1.2 汉语空间认知的研究
汉语中空间认知的研究跟认知语言学的兴起有着密切的关系。到了
In the early 1990s, Chinese scholars began to explore cognitive linguistics, drawing inspiration from international research in the field By the late 1990s, cognitive linguistics gained popularity as a prominent area of linguistic study in China Entering the 21st century, a series of conferences on cognitive linguistics were held, and with the establishment of the "Chinese Cognitive Linguistics Research Association," the discipline has started to emerge as an independent field within Chinese linguistics.
Cognitive linguistics has seen a surge of research outcomes, with Chinese scholars applying its theories to analyze and interpret linguistic phenomena in the Chinese language This approach provides a cognitive perspective on spatial categories in Chinese The study of spatial issues extends beyond mere structural discussions to include conceptual analyses The representation of space in language is influenced not only by the internal dynamics of the language system but also by objective reality, human experience, and cognitive abilities Research on spatial issues in China primarily involves the introduction of foreign cognitive linguistics theories by Chinese scholars.
The article explores the understanding of spatial concepts in Chinese through the lens of cognitive linguistics, highlighting how these concepts are often interpreted via linguistic phenomena such as metaphor and metonymy.
Liao Qiuzhong's 1983 work, "Reference Points of Space and Time in Modern Chinese Texts" and "Spatial Orientation Words and Reference Points," applies discourse linguistics to the study of Chinese, initiating a cognitive perspective on understanding reference points of time and space.
Fang Jingmin (1987) and Qi Huyang (1994, 1998) established a theoretical framework for the spatial positioning system in modern Chinese, utilizing the concept of reference points to study directional words Their research introduced a cognitive dimension to the study of spatial categories in the language.
Liu Ningsheng (1994) in "How Chinese Expresses Spatial Relationships of Objects" explores the cognitive processes behind the way the Chinese language perceives spatial relationships The study explains why certain spatial terms convey specific meanings, while other expressions, though scientifically valid or even correct, are often avoided in everyday language.
本研究的理论基础
1.2.1 认知语言学的理论基础
Cognition, derived from the Latin term "cognoscere," encompasses the processes of knowing, conceptualizing, and recognizing According to the "Dictionary of Terms" (1989, 1999), cognition refers to the human activity of understanding objective reality and acquiring knowledge, which includes perception, memory, learning, language, thought, and problem-solving It describes how individuals perceive the world, form concepts, and develop experiences based on those concepts Cognitive science, emerging as a prominent field in the 20th century, investigates the mechanisms of the brain and mind This interdisciplinary area seeks to understand the significance of experiences gained through psychological and linguistic activities, exploring questions about the organization of concepts, the existence of a shared conceptual system among individuals, and the common ways in which people think.
1.2.1.1 认知语言学的基本观点
认知心理学在过去 20 多年里已发展成为一种系统的成熟的学科， 对语言学理论的发展具有重要的借鉴价值。
Cognitive linguistics presents a novel perspective on cognition, psychology, and language, developed through the collaborative efforts of multiple generations and the interrelated growth of various disciplines Its organizational principles of cognitive structure are rooted in Gestalt psychology, while its belief in the interaction between subjective and objective elements is influenced by Piaget's theory of psychological development Additionally, cognitive linguistics incorporates research on prototypes and categories from cognitive psychology, and concepts such as imagery, schemas, and scanning are directly inspired by studies of representation and perception in cognitive psychology.
The experientialist view in cognitive linguistics emphasizes the importance of empirical research over introspective methods for understanding language rules Key contributions to this perspective include Rosch's work on prototype theory, which identifies two main aspects: typicality categories and the phenomenon of symbiosis Consensus on typicality suggests that semantic categories cannot be defined by a strict set of necessary and sufficient features, leading to fuzzy boundaries and varying degrees of membership among category members, which exhibit family resemblance Additionally, categories are structured radially, reflecting these characteristics at multiple linguistic levels Furthermore, categorization is understood to occur at three hierarchical levels: subordinate, basic, and superordinate categories Contrary to traditional views that prioritize lower-level conceptual primitives, cognitive linguistics posits that the basic category concept serves as the foundation for categorization.
Rosch và các cộng sự đã xác nhận rằng các thành viên trong các loại hình cơ bản thường có bốn đặc điểm chính: (1) Chúng có hình dạng tổng thể dễ nhận diện và một hình ảnh tâm lý đơn nhất, cùng với những đặc điểm dễ phân biệt.
The term "table" allows us to form a clear mental image and overall shape, unlike the broader category of "furniture." We possess specific knowledge about how to use items like "tables," but not about "furniture" in general The term "table" is among the most commonly used and contextually neutral words Most of our knowledge exists at the basic category level, where we understand many aspects of "tables" but have limited knowledge about "furniture," leading to an understanding of the latter primarily through concepts like "table." This phenomenon is known as parasitic categorization, where we borrow characteristics from related basic categories to comprehend higher-level concepts Thus, basic categories serve as the foundation for our understanding of abstract concepts Cognitive linguistics views abstract concepts as rooted in the interaction between the body and the world, embedded within patterns of bodily experience, referred to as image schemas.
The LINK schema represents a dependency structure that arises from the interaction between the body and the world For example, the position of a hat is dependent on the position of the head; if I move, the hat moves with me This schema can also metaphorically apply to our understanding of abstract concepts, such as grammar Deane (1992) identifies four types of connections in grammar: (1) concurrence link, where the manifestation of one grammatical component depends on another; (2) predication link, which describes the relationship between a predicate and its argument, including the relationship between modifiers and headwords; and (3) referential link.
词 和 许 多 语 法 成 分 是 依 靠 其 先 行 词 来 确 定 其 意 义 的 。 (4) 意 义 连 接
In the phenomenon of verb phrase ellipsis, auxiliary verbs convey the meaning of the verb phrase rather than the meaning indicated by the preceding verb phrase.
2） 语言的突显观(prominence view)
Cognitive linguistics posits that the meaning of a word is equivalent to the concept activated in the speaker's brain This meaning encompasses various knowledge systems, information, and visual imagery A crucial aspect of meaning is human interpretation, which refers to how individuals describe different aspects of imagined situations and which elements they consider prominent The selection of reference points by individuals is largely influenced by semantic prominence, which manifests in two types within language.
Profiling and figure/ground asymmetry are two key concepts in understanding semantics Profiling refers to the specific aspects of a word that stand out, while figure/ground asymmetry explains grammatical relationships According to Langacker (1987), a word's meaning can be described through its profile and base The base represents the conceptual structure evoked by a word, which is crucial for its characterization; for instance, the word "knuckle" evokes the concept of a "finger," while "roof" relates to the structure of a house The profile highlights a prominent part of the concept designated by the word, such as how "knuckle" and "roof" emphasize specific elements of "finger" and "house," respectively Similarly, "Thursday" focuses on a more abstract concept determined by the structure of the week.
Various grammatical categories, such as nouns and verbs, are determined by their respective roles Nouns focus on entities, while verbs, adjectives, and prepositions emphasize different types of relationships Among these categories, verbs are unique due to their temporal properties, which inherently involve a process For example, the verb "explode" and the noun "explosion" illustrate this distinction in describing actions and events.
The distinction between verbs and nouns lies in their application to the underlying context, with verbs incorporating dynamic temporal sequencing, while nouns focus on static aspects Research in Gestalt psychology indicates that figure-ground asymmetry is not determined by the objective characteristics of objects, but rather by the interpretations applied to imagined scenarios (Koffka, 1935) For instance, the prepositions "above" and "below" can describe the same structure, yet they create opposing figure-ground selections; "above" identifies the upper object as the figure, while "below" identifies the lower object as the figure.
In the process of positioning the subject alongside the verb, it often takes the form of an image In other words, when selecting a component as the focal point, it is highly likely that this component will serve as the subject of an active verb.
(a)The car crashed into the tree
(b)The tree was hit by the car
Sentence (a) describes the situation that leads to the car's destruction in the most natural way, while sentence (b) feels less natural According to cognitive linguistics, the moving car is the most prominent element in the context, which is why we encode the language by using "the car" as the subject or figure The choice of subject is not arbitrary; it is determined by the prominence of certain components within the situation.
3） 语言的框架和注意观(frame and attenional view)
Fillmore et al (1992) suggest that frames serve as cognitive structures for encoding concepts through words Building on this foundation, Talmy (1988, 1997) introduced the concept of event frames, which consist of a set of simultaneously activated or interrelated conceptual components and relationships He posits that there are two cognitive processes involved in event frame analysis: one focuses on highlighting specific parts of the event frame.
小结
The concept of space is a fundamental category in human cognition, serving as a crucial element in the worldview represented by every language Understanding, encoding, and interpreting space is essential for human experience and communication.
The relationship between space, people, and language is intricately connected, highlighting the importance of cognitive and functional studies in spatial research There remains a significant gap in this field, particularly in comparative studies of spatial concepts between languages A comparative analysis of spatial categories in Chinese and Vietnamese contributes valuable insights to this area of knowledge.
Recent studies have emerged comparing the spatial categories in Chinese and Vietnamese, focusing on various constructions that express spatial relationships and meanings, such as directional words, spatial structures, prepositions, and existential sentences Additionally, research has addressed issues related to spatial reference cognition, spatial vocabulary metaphors, and cultural aspects of spatial orientation In contrast to Chinese, the volume and scope of research on spatial concepts in Vietnamese remain relatively limited, indicating that comparative studies on spatial cognition in Chinese and Vietnamese are still in their infancy This paper aims to advance the in-depth exploration of this topic.
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of spatial categories, clarifying the significance of space and its research framework, while highlighting the central role of spatial categories in cognitive linguistics To elucidate the cognitive contrasts of spatial categories in Chinese and Vietnamese, the study employs theoretical foundations from cognitive linguistics and contrastive linguistics, delving into prototype category theory and metaphor theory It categorizes spatial analysis into subcategories such as entities, locations, and movements, and examines spatial metaphors across cognitive domains including quantity, time, states, ranges, and social relationships, thereby depicting the fundamental aspects of spatial cognition and concepts.