| 1 Introduction | 第1-13页 |
| ·The definition of semantic change | 第6-8页 |
| ·Main theoretical issues of semantic change | 第8-10页 |
| ·Some semantic theories on semantic change | 第10-13页 |
| 2. Mechanisms of semantic change | 第13-23页 |
| ·Review of literature on mechanisms of semantic change | 第13-15页 |
| ·Two mechanisms at the simplest level | 第15-17页 |
| ·Generalization | 第15-16页 |
| ·Specialization | 第16-17页 |
| ·Metaphor and metonymy as the most striking and important mechanisms of semantic change | 第17-23页 |
| ·Metonymy | 第18-19页 |
| ·Metaphor | 第19-22页 |
| ·Radiation | 第22页 |
| ·Comparison between metaphor and metonymy | 第22-23页 |
| 3. Prototype effects on semantic change | 第23-43页 |
| ·Connection between cognitive categories and semantic change | 第24-26页 |
| ·Prototype effects on semantic change | 第26-36页 |
| ·The definition of the prototype theory | 第26-29页 |
| ·Prototype structures and meaning | 第29-30页 |
| ·Considering the nature of prototype structures | 第30-31页 |
| ·Four specific prototypicality effects | 第31-36页 |
| ·Prototype effects on semantic change shown by polysemy | 第36-43页 |
| 4. Cognitive motivations of semantic change | 第43-57页 |
| ·Grammaticalization considered as a cognitive motivation | 第44-46页 |
| ·Subjectivity and subjectification as cognitive motivations | 第46-48页 |
| ·Other four cognitive motivations | 第48-57页 |
| ·Cue-validity | 第49-52页 |
| ·Cognitive economy and perceived world structure | 第52-54页 |
| ·Conjunctivity | 第54-57页 |
| 5. Conclusion | 第57-58页 |
| BIBLIOGRAPHIES | 第58-63页 |
| ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | 第63页 |
