Abstract: Bloomfield (1887-1949) is one of the pioneers of northern America structural linguistics. With regard to Bloomfield’s research concerning languages and the construction of structural linguistics, its problem of meaning was and remains a hot topic and a controversial issue in the field of linguistics. Bloomfield considered that the understanding of meaning must be based on personal experience. Meaning is not stable and can be perceived. His theory has exerted great influences upon the research of many world-famous linguists. It is often said that Bloomfield had evaded the problem of meaning when he researched languages. In my opinion, Bloomfield did not abandon the research of meaning. He just insisted on holding a prudent attitude towards meaning researching. Having combined inductive, deductive method and exemplification, the author has reviewed the previous studies as regards meaning and put forward my own ideas on the basis of Bloomfield’s linguistic treatise.

Key words: Bloomfield; meaning; context; language form 

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction.1

2. Literature Review1

3. Bloomfield’s View About the Problem of Meaning.4

3.1 The Formation of Bloomfield’s View About Meaning4

3.2 Bloomfield’s View of Meaning5

3.3 Linguistic Study Starting From the Form.6

3.4 The Negative and Pessimistic Meaning Outlook7

3.5 The Inseparability of Form and Meaning.8

4. The Pros and Cons About Bloomfield’s View on Meaning.8

5. The Limitation of Bloomfield’s View on Meaning9

6. Conclusion10

Bibliography11

Acknowledgements. .12