A multiple-parallel-text approach for viewpoint research across languages: The case of demonstratives in english and Chinese
Journal
Expressive Minds and Artistic Creations: Studies in Cognitive Poetics
Pages
131-157
Date Issued
2018
Author(s)
Abstract
This chapter addresses the issue of viewpoint in literary narratives across languages by means of a multiple-parallel-text (MultiParT) approach, using multiple translated versions in one language of a world masterpiece to account for the factor of individual variation. We argue that MultiParT is methodologically highly advantageous, as it can lead researchers to empirical findings that other research methods cannot show. First, the Chinese versions are in general much more heavily demonstrative-viewpointed than the English version. Second, lack of correspondence with the English version is all over the place across the Chinese versions. Third, intralanguage viewpointing preferences can be identified across the Chinese versions, which shows how the Chinese versions systematically differ from the English text. We believe the findings constitute powerful testimonies to the usefulness of MultiParT in cross-linguistic cognitive poetic and stylistic research.
SDGs
Type
book part