词语滥用引发词义贬值——以“大师”一词为中心

大师本来是表示尊敬的褒义称号,但由于当下对这一称号的滥用,它可能出现词义贬值;久之,该词会产生词义贬化。这种词义贬化现象在语言中不乏其例,其原因当与语用上的礼貌原则有关系。

On Meaning Pejoration from Over-Application:Taking the Use of Great Master in Chinese as a Case

Great Master is traditionally used in Chinese language as a respectable title for a person who has made outstanding achievement in arts or academics,and everyone knows the value conveyed in the title.However,with the title being applied to too many persons there is devaluation in the title.The cases of meaning pejoration are very common and the major cause of meaning pejoration could be traced to the principle of politeness in communication which can easily lead to over-application of higher title.