英汉语篇模式差异对英语写作的影响

摘  要：本文通过英汉语篇模式的对比分析，指出了英汉语篇模式差异对中国学生英语写作的影响，提出了几点关于如何提高英语写作水平的建议。
关键词：语篇   模式   差异   英语写作   影响

在漫长的历史过程中，人们把对客观现实的认识凝固成经验和习惯，借助语言形成思想，又赋予思想一定的模式，进而形成一种思维形态。不同的民族文化，还有着各自的思维方式、思维特征和思维风格，构成我们所说的思维差异。思维上的差异，反映着使用某一种语言的民族群体千万年以来形成的语言心理倾向。因此，每一种语言，不仅仅是在句子结构上，而且在语篇模式上都体现着使用该种语言民族的思维特征。英汉两种语言也不例外。本文拟对英、汉语篇模式进行对比,从而分析其之间存在的差异对我国大学生进行英语写作时所产生的影响，旨在帮助我国大学生提高英语写作水平。
1. 英汉语篇模式的对比
1.1英语语篇模式
不同类型的语篇在长期使用中都已形成一种特定的模式（pattern），具有一种区别于其它语篇的组织结构。Hoey（1988）McCarthy(1991)认为英语语篇有三种模式： 1）概括—具体型（General-specific Pattern），其中包括：概括—举例式（Generalization-Example）和整体—细节式（Preview-Detail）；2）问题解决型（Problem-Solution Pattern）；3）对照—匹配型(Matching-Pattern)。
1) 概括—具体型（General-Specific Pattern）。这种模式在英语中是最常见的、最有代表性的。它不但广泛应用于社会科学和自然科学的议论文和说明文中，而且也常用于描写文和记叙文中。它充分体现了英、美等西方人的直线性思维模式。这种模式在英语的段落层面或语篇层面俯拾皆是。例如：
An increase or a decrease in the price level affects the economic well-being of farmers. One of the best-known examples of this in American history took place throughout the late 1800s. Prices were going down, and this caused much displeasure to farmers, who were still relatively numerous. Many farmers were in debt; they had borrowed money to buy land and equipment. A farmer might have borrowed $500, and if his farm made $500 per year over his costs and living expenses, he might hope to pay the debt off in a year. If the prices the farmer received went down, say, to $250 per year, it made it very difficult for him to pay off his $500 debt. These facts show how directly the improvement of farmers’ life depends on the prices of their farm products.
这是一个“概括—举例式（Generalization-Example）”的语篇。首句是一个主题句，道明了全段的主题思想, 下文的例证部分展开的是首句的内容：
The working conditions were poor. The tables where workers sat were very high, and uncomfortable. Except for a half hour at lunchtime, there were no breaks in the day to relieve the boring work. There was no music. The walls of the workrooms were a dull gray color. I was amazed that the workers hadn’t gone on strike.
这是一个“整体—细节式”(Preview-Detail Pattern)的语篇。其首句概括了主题思想，然后用细节加以说明。
2) 问题解决型（Problem-Solution Pattern）。这种模式的特点是先说明情况，提出问题，随后进行分析，最后提出解决问题的意见或办法。这种模式多用于叙事性文体、文学作品，探讨科技、自然或社会问题的说明文也有时出现这种模式。例如：
Nowadays there are more and more traffic accidents in some big cities. It is estimated that thousands upon thousands of men, women and children are severely injured or even killed on the roads every year. Man is obviously much weaker than motor vehicles. It is a never-ending battle which man is losing.