Abstracts of Major Papers in This Issue

Title: The Reconstruction of Literary Canon and the Future of Comparative Literature: An Interview with David Damrosch (by SHENG Anfeng, Associate Professor of Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084)

Abstract: In this interview, David Damrosch points out that when he edited the anthologies, he has always tried to transcend the ideas of New Criticism and to emphasize the social correlations between literatures from different countries, in order to create some literary space where many cultures come together. He also tried to expand the traditional concept of world literature to make it more inclusive. He believes that literature is essentially transnational and all literary traditions are formed in conversation with many other ones. World literature is undoubtedly conducive to a healthy cosmopolitanism and to a deeper understanding among different nations. He warns that comparative literature should not be confined to its self-centeredness; instead, it should face much larger audience, including the undergraduates, and make the classroom of comparative literature an exchange place of traditions and ideas.

Key words:LongmanAnthologyofWorldLiterature,LongmanAnthologyofBritishLiterature, literary studies, comparative literature, cosmopolitanism

Title: A Review of the Distributed Morphology Theory (by CHANG Hui, Associate Professor of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240)

Abstract: The Distributed Morphology is a branch of generative grammar and has developed rapidly in recent years, which focuses on how a word is generated and what is the inner structure of verbal phrases. It absorbs some reasonable spirit of other morphological and syntactic theories, and views the generation of a word as a totally syntactic process. Its research on the phonological realization of a word is a necessary supplement to the traditional generative grammar. This article reviews and comments on the grammar model and technical operations of the Distributed Morphology Theory as well as its differences from other morphological theories and the feature-checking theory of the Minimalist Program.

Key words: Distributed Morphology, morphological structure, abstract morpheme, vocabulary insertion, morphological operation

Title: Game Theory in Verbal Communication: the Perspective of Philosophy of Language (by WANG Xueling, Associate Professor of Heilongjiang Institute of Science and Technology, Ha’erbing, 150027)

Abstract: In verbal communication, communicators always try to pursue the maximum of discourse utility. Language Game will help communicators achieve the purpose effectively. Through analyzing the phenomena of Language Game in conversation, i.e. disambiguating, negative selection, and conversational implicature, this paper highlights the role of Language Game in realizing communicative intention.

Key words: philosophy of language, Game Theory, Language Game, verbal communication, context

Title: On the Gradations of English Collocations and Their Cognitive Interpretation (by QIN Jiandong, Associate Professor of Souzhou Science and Technology University, Suzhou, 215004)

Abstract: This paper holds that English collocations are characterized by the following gradations in a continuum: (1) semantic opacity and transparency; (2) motivated and non-motivated; (3) structural fossilisation and variation; (4) lexical fossilisation and varaition; (5) acceptability and appropriateness; (6) differenecs in collocation range. This paper uses the theory of categorization to explain the weakening process of some collocational features, uses the theory of gradience to analyze the distribution of gradient items by means of matrix of serial relationship and cluster analysis,and uses the theory of metaphoric mapping to explain the cognitive base of deviated collocations.

Key words: collocation, characteristics, gradation, cognitive interpretation

Title: On the Artistic Charm of the Ending in “Matisse” (by CHEN Ai’xiang, PhD of Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 and Associate Professor from school of the Humanities, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, 526061)

Abstract: The ending of “Matisse”, which is written by Alexander Ilichevski, is meaningful. It not only expands the value of the character’s pursuing, makes dimly and visible structures of the novel harmonious, but also deepens the literary reception in the aesthetic impression. The ending of “Matisse” avoids the obscurity in a novel form. It builds platform for communication between the author and readers and provides the latter a possibility of effective participation.

Key words: “Matisse”, the value of character’s pursuing, dimly and visible structures, aesthetic impression

Title: The Loss and Gain of Interpretation: A Case Study of Amplification in the English Translation ofGanXiaoLiuJi(by ZHANG Yan, Associate Professor of Tong Ji University, Shanghai, 200092)

Abstract: The openness of texts justifies textual interpretation, and the important position of the translators between two different languages or cultures imposes the responsibility of interepretation on them. In many cases where obscurities and possible misunderstandings exist, interpretation can help facilitate readers’ understanding, while in other cases, translators explicate the meanings intended to be kept implicit by the authors and therefore distort the intention of the authors. By quoting examples of amplification from the two English versions of Yang Jiang’sGanXiaoLiuJi, it is pointed out that interpretation on the part of the translators can work out well only when it complies with the intention of the original texts and the authors.

Key words: amplification, intention to interpret, limit on interpretation, English translation ofGanXiaoLiuJi

Title: A Comparison of the Two English Translations ofMasterZhu’sHomiliesforFamiles(by CHEN Demin, Professor of School of Foreign Languages, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240; QIN Yanyan, Lecturer of Shanghai Aviation Service School, Shanghai, 201200)

Abstract: This paper discusses the two English translations of the Chinese classicZhuZiJiaXun(MasterZhu’sHomiliesforFamilies) from the perspective of translators’ understanding of the source text, the reproducton of the original style of the text, and the translatability of Chinese classics. The paper aims to study the relevant issues in translating Chinese classics and possible solutions. In translating Chinese classics, one major criteria is to maintain the literary style of the original text, and the theme, time of publication, cultural factors, and the change of word meanng should be taken into full consideration.

Key words: English translation of Chinese classics, poetic meter and rhyme, literary style, faithfulness

Title: The Influence of Specificity on Chinese Learners’ Acquisition of the English Article System (by MA Zheng, PhD of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240)

Abstract: The influence of specificity on Chinese learners’ acquisition of the English article system is investigated by adopting the Article Choice Parameter. Studies show that learners tend to use “the” correctly in definite specific contexts, overuse “a” in definite nonspecific contexts, overuse “the” in indefinite specific contexts, and use “a” correctly in indefinite nonspecific contexts. It is also found that learners’ English proficiency level influences their use of articles. Moreover, article use in indefinite nonspecific contexts is acquired earlier than in definite specific contexts.

Key words: article, specificity, definiteness, acquisition

Title: An Organic Integration of the Teaching Systems of English Linguistics and Advanced English (by LI Ke, Lecturer of College of Foreign Studies, Shandong Institute of Business and Technology, Yantai, 264005 and PhD. of Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, 200083)

Abstract: English linguistics and advanced English are compulsory courses for juniors and seniors majoring in English, and promoting the teaching of two courses is a key topic for foreign language practitioners. However, in the current major English teaching, there does exist some teaching plight in these two courses, hence integrating the teaching systems of the two courses organically is of great importance and meaning. This paper is to find out the contemporary learning situation of the two courses with questionnaires, and to see if there are some changes in their study attitudes and learning situation after the teaching practice of integrating the two courses systematically, so as to provide some implications to FLT.

Key words: English linguistics, advanced English, organic integration, FLT