英语词语语义变化的研究

A Study on Semantic Change of English Words

摘要: 社会发展日新月异，语言亦是如此。作为语言的显著方面，语义也经历巨大变化。本文主要探讨了英语词语语义变化的不同类型，包括：词义扩大、词义缩小、词义升格、词义降格以及词义转移，并进行例证分析，同时也探究了引起语义变化的原因，主要包括：语境、社会经济影响、历史环境、经济原则。最后，本文揭示了英语语义变化对于英语文本阅读、翻译的影响及启示，以期学生更好地掌握英语。

Abstract: Society evolves rapidly, and so does language. As a prominent aspect of language, semantics also underwent great changes. This paper mainly discusses the different types of semantic change of English words, including the expansion of meaning, the narrowing of meaning, the elevation of meaning, and the degradation of meaning, semantic shift, and goes on analyses with exemplification. At the same time, it also explores the causes of semantic change, including the context, the socio-economic impact, the historical environment, and the economic principles. Finally, this paper reveals the influence of English semantic change on English text reading and translation, so that students can better master English.