Contrastive Study of English and Chinese Word Order from the Perspective of Figure-ground Theory—A Case Study of The Moonstone and Its Chinese Version

Abstract

The relationship between human language behavior and cognition can be reflected by the Figure-Ground Theory in cognitive science. In the frame of cognition, figure is more prominent. It is the focus of attention; ground is less prominent and it provides the cognitive reference for the figure. In English expression, figure is usually put on the prominent position. This article points out the similarities and differences between English and Chinese word order by comparing English and Chinese sentences from The Moonstone written by Wilkie Collins. It delves into their cognitive differences through cognition pattern. English adopts cognitive model from figure to ground, while Chinese takes the order from ground to figure. According to the analysis of the article, a conclusion is made that the difference between English and Chinese word order lies in different cognitive models.