Abstract

Preposition is the core spirit of English language. So it is no exaggeration that the status of English prepositions is relatively high, although the number of them is minor. Both of the usage and meaning of English prepositions are complicated and various, which consequently become the difficult points for English learners. Two facts have shown to explain why English prepositions are too complex to acquire: Firstly, each preposition does not just contain a single meaning; Secondly, it does not exist alone in most instances, but collocates with other words like nouns or verbs to become fix-used prepositional phrases.

 English prepositions can be classified by many criteria. One of the classification is to divide English Prepositions into spatial prepositions and non-spatial prepositions. Spatial prepositions are used to indicate the spatial positions and relationships, say, in, at, on, over, under, through and by, etc. All these prepositions have their original meanings- spatial meanings. This paper is to do research on non-spatial usage that is based on spatial usage and is projected from spatial domains. It can be seen from descriptions and findings of former scholars that, from the perspective of spatial metaphor, the studies of English prepositions like at, on, under are much discussed and the findings are concrete, however, the analysis of by is rare. The main task of this paper is not only to study the background of research, or to have a knowledge of many definitions of academic terms, but also to have a thorough analysis of by from the perspective of spatial metaphor, so as to excavate the influence and function of it towards culture understanding and English learning.

Keywords: English prepositions, by, spatial metaphor, spatial prepositions

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Background of the Study-1

1.2 Purpose and Significance of the Study-1

1.3 Layout of the Study-2

2. Literature Review-3

2.1 Studies on Spatial Prepositions-3

2.1.1 Definition of Spatial Prepositions-3

2.1.2 A Review of Former Studies on Spatial Prepositions-3

2.2 Studies on Spatial Metaphor-3

2.2.1 The Definition of Spatial Metaphor-3

2.2.2 Different Views of Spatial Metaphor-3

3. Spatial Metaphor Usage of by-4

3.1 Spatial Usage of by-4

3.1.1 Static Spatial Usage of by-4

3.1.2 Dynamic Spatial Usage of by-4

3.2 Non-Spatial(Spatial Metaphor) Usage of by-4

3.2.1 Time Domain-5

3.2.2 Reason Domain-5

3.2.3 Way/ Tool Domain-5

3.2.4 Attitude domain-5

4. The Implications and Influence-6

4.1.To Culture-6

4.2 To English Language Learning-6

5. Conclusion-6

References-7