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A Corpus-based Study on Do+Det.+V-ing Structure

Author: QianJiaJing
Tutor: ZhangQuan
School: Nanjing University of Technology and Engineering
Course: Foreign Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Keywords: Do+Det.+V-ing corpus bounding theory economy principle Gestalt Laws of Perceptual Organization
CLC: H314
Type: Master's thesis
Year: 2012
Downloads: 78
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Abstract

Based on corpus and within the theoretical framework of Bounding Theory and Economy Principle, this thesis attempts to investigate the English structure Do+Det.+V-ing, including its diachronic development, structural features, and cognitive motivation.English structure Do+Det.+V-ing is composed of the verb do, a determiner and an object in the form of V-ing, such as do some cleaning and do a watering. V-ing, the object in this structure, is a typical verbal noun derived from a verb and profiles the same action as the verb does, only from different perspectives. The structure Do+Det.+V-ing is not only prevailing in modern English, but is also found to be in use at the beginning of 19th century. As time goes by and society develops, this structure is constantly self-updated, and obtains an increased frequency. However, in contrast to the development of this structure, studies on it seem relatively inadequate. After a study of this structure with the help of corpus, it is found that the structure possesses the main categorical features of English delexical verb structure, and can be viewed as a member of this category. English delexical verb structure is made up of a delexical verb and an eventive object. The lexical meaning of the verb is fundamentally light or empty and serves as a functional support; the object is a noun derived or converted from a verb and carries the most of structural meaning. Studies on English delexical verb structure are time-honored. However, after a critical review of the contributions made by researchers, it is found that previous studies on delexical verb structure have paid much attention on structures where a noun converted from a verb acts as the object, such as have a talk and give a hug, and seldom involved another type of this structure within a nominal derived from a verb. This imbalance is obviously not beneficial to the comprehensive understanding and mastery of English delexical verb structure.Based on the foresaid situation and with the help of corpus, this thesis attempts to carry out a study on the diachronic development and structural features including semantic characteristics of each component in the structure. Moreover, within the theoretical framework of Bounding Theory, Gestalt Laws of Perceptual Organization and Economy Principle, this thesis proposes a bold hypothesis for the cognitive motivation of the structure: the formation of English structure Do+Det.+V-ing is the fruit of a combined action of its structural property of "boundarizing", Gestalt Laws of Perceptual Organization and Economy Principle, behind which exists the absolute human pursuit of bounded gestalt. The discussion of boundary of language should be based on the structure and sentence. Boundedness and unboundedness is interchangeable. However, human pursuit of"bounded gestalt" is absolute. English structure Do+Det.+V-ing functions as an economical boundarizing means and flourishes with time passing. By providing answers for research questions and verification for research hypothesis, this thesis hopes to clarify the structure Do+Det.+V-ing, to enrich the study on English delexical verb structure from a fresh perspective and to deepen the understanding of linguistic theories employed in this thesis.

A Corpus-based Study on Do+Det.+V-ing Structure

Abstract

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