量词“集”的语义范畴化研究——基于认知语言学视角

A Study on the Semantic Categorization of the Classifier “Ji”—From the Perspective of Cognitive Linguistics

摘要: 本文以认知语言学为理论框架，系统研究了汉语量词“集”的语义范畴化过程。研究的核心论点是，“集”的语义源于其动词本义“群鸟栖木”，这一具体场景构成了其原型意义，具备“多成分”、“统一性”和“空间容器性”三大核心特征。论文详细阐述了“集”以该原型为中心，通过隐喻和转喻两种核心认知机制，呈放射状扩展出三条主要的语义路径：1) 通过“时间如空间”的隐喻，从物理空间容器(如书册)扩展至时间容器，用于计量电视剧、节目等有界的时间单元。2) 通过“信息如物体”和“心智如容器”的双重隐喻，从实体集合体扩展至抽象的信息数据集合体，如“数据集”、“字符集”。3) 通过“形式代功能”的转喻，进一步延伸至商业和文化领域，用于指代具有整合、精选附加价值的包装单元，如“优惠集”、“技能集锦”。研究最终认为，“集”的语义演变过程清晰地反映了人类从具体经验(物理空间、实体)来建构和理解抽象概念(时间、信息)的普遍认知模式。

Abstract: This paper, grounded in cognitive linguistics as its theoretical framework, systematically investigates the semantic categorization process of the Chinese classifier “ji” (集). The core argument of the study is that the meaning of “ji” originates from its original verbal sense “a flock of birds perching on branches”—this concrete scenario constitutes its prototypical meaning, embodying three central features: “multiple components”, “unity” and “spatial container quality”. The paper elaborates in detail how, with this prototype as the center, “ji” radially extends along three main semantic paths through two core cognitive mechanisms: metaphor and metonymy: 1) Through the metaphor “TIME AS SPACE”, it expands from physical space containers (such as books) to temporal containers, used to quantify bounded time units like TV series and programs. 2) Through the dual metaphors of “INFORMATION AS OBJECT” and “MIND AS CONTAINER”, it extends from physical entities to abstract information/data collections, such as “dataset” and “character set”. 3) Through the metonymy of “FORM STANDS FOR FUNCTION”, it further extends into commercial and cultural domains, referring to packaged units with integrated and curated added value, such as “promotion bundle” and “skill collection”. The study concludes that the semantic evolution process of “ji” clearly reflects the universal cognitive pattern through which humans construct and understand abstract concepts (time, information) from concrete experiences (physical space, entities).