谈约束理论A原则对汉语“自己”的解释

作为乔姆斯基的原则与参数理论的主要成果之一,约束理论及其三原则是对同一语句中名词词组之间的所指异同关系及相关条件限制的理论概括。这一理论常被语言学家们用来解释英语及其它语言的句法现象,因而有着十分重要的意义。但是该理论,尤其是其中的A原则在解释汉语中的反身代词＂自己＂的时候却显示出了一定的局限性。本文从前人的相关研究出发,提出了应该从句法、语义、语用等方面来解释汉语中的反身代词＂自己＂。

On the Interpretation of Chinese Ziji From the Perspective of Principle A of Binding Theory

The concept of Binding Theory is one of the major results of the principles and parameters framework developed by Chomsky. In this framework, Binding Theory, with three principles A, B and C is one of the six subsystems of core grammar. It is concerned with the relations of nominal expressions with possible antecedents. The Binding Theory is ＂of great significance in interpreting English and some other languages, and has proved an extremely useful tool of analysis for many years. Yet this theory, the principle A in particular, seems to have some problem in interpreting the reference of Chinese reflexive ziji. Many linguists have noticed this and been engaged in some related study. This paper is intended to give a brief summary of their findings and my own view as well.