Abstract

As is known to all, English vocabulary learning interacts with other aspects of English learning, including reading, writing, listening, etc. So, the importance of vocabulary learning is obvious. In this paper, the author tries to probe into the vocabulary learning strategies from the perspective of etymology. Vocabulary is part of language and many people usually regard learning as a cognitive development of human mind. Therefore, Cognitive Linguistics is the theoretical basis in this paper as well. The Encyclopaedia View, the Association View, and the Integration View are used in the study of vocabulary learning strategies. So, here etymology is based on Cognitive linguistics. The strategies mainly contain: having an encyclopaedia knowledge of words, being awareness of the association and activation between words, and the integration of word meanings. Also, a combination of different strategies is practical in authentic learning procedures. When we are learning vocabulary, there is no need for us to make a clear distinction between different words. Apart from providing English learners with some available learning strategies, there is a hope to enhance learners’ vocabulary knowledge and their familiarity of western culture and history.

Key Words: Cognitive Linguistics; Etymology; the Encyclopaedia View; the Association View; the Integration View

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1  Introduction1

1.1 Background1

1.2 Purpose.2

1.3 Layout.2

2  Literature Review.3

2.1 Structural Linguistics.3

2.2 Transformational Generative Grammar4

2.3 Systemic Functional linguistics4

2.4 Cognitive Linguistics.6

2.5 Summary.7

3  Theoretical Basis.9

3.1 The Definition of Cognitive Linguistics9

3.2 Approaches.9

3.3 Etymology Based on Cognitive Linguistics.11

4  Etymology and English Vocabulary Learning Strategies.13

4.1 The Encyclopedic View of Words13

4.2 The Association between Words14

4.3 The Integration of Words15

4.4 Summary.16

5  Conclusion.17

Bibliography.19

Acknowledgments.20