英汉语中“焦点／背景”设置对比反映的认知模式差异

摘要

“焦点／背景”理论于上世纪60年代从心理学研究走向语言学研究的领域，并带来了丰硕的研究成果。论文以该理论为基础，通过对比研究英汉语中“焦点”与“背景”的设置，得出英汉语人群的不同认知模式。英语中通常呈现焦点前置的原则，也就是“焦点--背景”的认知模式；对比之下，汉语则呈现焦点后置的原则，及“背景--焦点”的认知模式。%The study of "Figure" and "Ground" turned from psychology into linguistics in 60' s of the last century, making much significance in language study. On the basis of "Figure / Ground" theory, this comparative study is being made between English and Chinese to find out some difference in our cognitive modes. It can be illustrated that, through study, English presents the principle of fore Figure, reflecting the "Figure to Ground" mode in cognition, while Chinese presents the principle of post Figure, reflecting the opposite cognitive mode, that is, "Ground to Figure".