ISSN : 1229-9618(Print)
ISSN : 2671-7506(Online)
ISSN : 2671-7506(Online)
Chinese Studies Vol.64 pp.165-177
DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.14378/KACS.2018.64.64.9
DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.14378/KACS.2018.64.64.9
A study on the grammaticalization of the adverb “Jianzhi(简直)”
Abstract
As an adverb with high frequency of usage, “Jianzhi(简直)” is widely used. However, there are still many problems unsolved in the past.
Based on the grammaticalization theory and cognitive theory, this paper dis-cussed the conditions and mechanisms during the grammaticalization process of “Jianzhi”. and clarified the relationships among the meanings of “Jianzhi”.
The main conclusions of this paper are as follows:
Firstly, When “Jianzhi” is located before other adjectives, it obtains the adverb function through reanalysis mechanism, and modifies adjective predicate and verb predicate.
Secondly, under the influence of metaphor mechanism, the semantics of “Jianzhi” is mapped from spatial domain to mode domain. And “Jianzhi” derived the meaning of “fearfully”.
Thirdly, through conceptual blending process “Jian” and “Zhi” generated the meaning of “completly”.
Based on the grammaticalization theory and cognitive theory, this paper dis-cussed the conditions and mechanisms during the grammaticalization process of “Jianzhi”. and clarified the relationships among the meanings of “Jianzhi”.
The main conclusions of this paper are as follows:
Firstly, When “Jianzhi” is located before other adjectives, it obtains the adverb function through reanalysis mechanism, and modifies adjective predicate and verb predicate.
Secondly, under the influence of metaphor mechanism, the semantics of “Jianzhi” is mapped from spatial domain to mode domain. And “Jianzhi” derived the meaning of “fearfully”.
Thirdly, through conceptual blending process “Jian” and “Zhi” generated the meaning of “completly”.