鄭偉偉

【Abstract】In this paper, we will focus on the textual functions of degree adverb+noun.Firstly, this structure has organizational function in a clause. Secondly, this construction has appraisal functions and expresses the speakers subjective attitudes towards the objects concerned.

【Key Words】the degree adverb+noun, metonymy, appraisal

The degree adverb+noun always directs another noun in a sentence by functioning as predicate, attribute, complement and adverbial, which can in fact make the whole text coherent. And due to special meaning of noun in this structure, this structure has the function of appraisal towards the object concerned.

1. The organizational functions of the degree adverb+noun

The degree Adv+N construction as a component of the clause serves various organizational functions. The following sections will present the analysis.

(1)即便是前80回曹雪芹也已經(jīng)寫(xiě)得很清楚了,黛玉這樣的性格是不合時(shí)宜的,更加是當(dāng)時(shí)社會(huì)所不容的,她太小女子,太敏感,生就一副多愁多病身,各種跡象顯示她不能勝任賈府未來(lái)的內(nèi)務(wù)領(lǐng)導(dǎo)者、王熙鳳繼承人的角色,賈母雖然因?yàn)轺煊袷亲约旱耐鈱O女而非常疼愛(ài),可是“在賈府上下頗得人心”的薛寶釵卻更家能討她的歡喜。(Sina.com, Sept.13, 2005)

(2)它(指一盤(pán)歌帶)有一個(gè)很民族的名字——“紅腰帶”。(China National Radio, Evening Program, Oct.14, 1994)

(3)陶大宇爽快地透露,那是很久前在家中洗澡時(shí)不小心滑倒弄傷的,到醫(yī)院縫了六、七針,不過(guò)醫(yī)生說(shuō)等傷慢慢完全長(zhǎng)好了不會(huì)留下很明顯的疤痕。陶大宇還很“唐僧”地要記者提醒大家“冬天洗澡,小心路滑”。(Nanjing Daily, Jan.17, 2004)

(4)怎么搞的,你這家伙現(xiàn)在變得好市儈吆!(China Youth, June 4, 1991)

In Example (1), “太小女子” (too small woman-like) is used to describe “林黛玉” (Lin Daiyu), stating the reason why she is unpopular in Jia Family; in Example (2) 很“唐僧”(very Monk Tang-like) humorously describes the speaking manners of “陶大宇” (Tao Dayu), that is, too wordy. in Example (3) “很民族” (very nation-like) modifies “名字”(name)in Example(4) “好市儈” (very sordid merchant-like) further comments “你” (you).

2. The appraisal function of the degree adverb+noun in the text

We hold that the degree adverb+noun has the appraisal function. To be more specific, the degree Adv+N construction is a linguistic resource for the expression of the speakers attitude toward the objects concerned.

ATTITUDE, as the main system of Appraisal Theory, deals with the values by which speakers or writers evaluate human behavior and objects and associate emotional or affective response with participants and processes. Attitudes have to do with evaluating things, peoples character and their feelings.” (Martin & Rose 2003:22). These evaluations can be intensified and made directly or indirectly in a text. Besides, they can also be negative or positive. ATTITUDE is composed of three systems: AFFECT, JUDGEMENT and APPRECIATION. Technically, the resources for expressing feelings are referred as Affect, resources for judging character as Judgment and resources for valuing the worth of things as Appreciation (Martin & Rose, 2003).

(5)“鳥(niǎo)人”甘朝暉等最是有心。出發(fā)前,她們精心制作了一面“青年志愿者”紅旗和五個(gè)木制鳥(niǎo)屋。還從家里帶來(lái)了鉗子、鐵絲?？粗辛撕厧卓冒倌暧軜?shù),便央大伙幫忙掛了上去?？粗约核徒o鳥(niǎo)兒的禮物,她們很母親地笑了。(sxdsb. voc. com.cn Oct.14, 2004)

In Example (5), “很母親” (very mother-like) assesses the behavior of smiling and conveys the writers favorable feeling.

(6)王慶平,一個(gè)普通的軍人,當(dāng)他死去一年多以后,人們忽然發(fā)現(xiàn),在當(dāng)今社會(huì)道德十分缺失的時(shí)候,他居然像一盞耀眼的明燈照亮著人們前進(jìn)的道路。為什么說(shuō),他的精神比雷鋒更加雷鋒呢?在今天市場(chǎng)經(jīng)濟(jì)時(shí)代,處處講的是錢(qián),考慮的是個(gè)人的利益,誰(shuí)還肯犧牲自己去挽救別人。(World Literature.com, Jun.27, 2006)

In Example(6), the writer intends to praise “王慶平” (Wang Qingping), and his praise is realized by using the construction “更加雷鋒” (more than Leifeng-like). “雷鋒” (Leifeng) has become a very positive image in Chinese culture, and he is in agreement with our Chinese traditional virtues, “helpful” and “selfless”. By saying that “王慶平的精神比雷鋒更加雷鋒”(Wang Qingpings spirit is more than Leifeng-like), the writer praises “王慶平s” (Wang Qingping) moral grounds about the truthfulness, and his behavior conforms to our social norms. In this way, the writer shows his positive judgment towards “王慶平s” (Wang Qingping) moral quality and also his personal admiration.

(7)很中國(guó)的刮痧 很傳統(tǒng)的講究. (Hangzhou.com.cn, Jul.26, 2006)

The degree Adv+N construction “很中國(guó)” (very China-like) concerns the valuation or assessment to the treatment with the great social significance. It indicates that their Guasha treatment has a long history and is very efficient, thus intensifies the force of persuasion.

In conclusion, by using examples, this section has discussed a variety of appraisal effects achieved by the degree adverb+noun construction. We can see that the construction can perform the evaluative function more forcefully and implicitly than its corresponding adjective

Bibliography

[1]Martin, J.R. & Rose, D. Working with Discourse: Meaning beyond the Clause [M]. London: Continuum, 2003.

[2]Martin, J.R. & White, P.R.R. The Language of Evaluation: Appraisal in English [M]. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005.