Harmonious Linguistic View And The Importance Of Learning A Second Foreign Language

In this thesis, I put forward the notion of"harmonious linguistic view". It is an issue in the field of pragmatics. It refers to the harmonious usage of language which is related to the cultural diversity. The main purpose of this thesis is to emphasize the importance of some existing principles and maxims in the field of pragmatics in actual use. At same time, through the investigation of the second foreign language learning heat in America and in Europe, I analyzed the reasons and propose the theme of this thesis: building up a harmonious linguistic view and the importance of learning a second foreign language in America and in Europe.This study adopts both the qualitative and quantitative method. Qualitative method includes identification, interpretation, and explanation of the topic. Quantitative method includes the investigation using questionnaire to know the FLT in other countries, esp., in Europe.At the beginning of this thesis, I analyzed the close relationship between language and thought in the perspective of psycholinguistics in order to illustrate the importance of building up healthy and harmonious linguistic view towards the health and harmony of individual's thought as well as the social harmony and development. Then, I cited several recognized principles and maxims related to the harmonious usage of language, such as the Politeness Principle, Cooperative Principle, etc, which all contributed to the harmonious usage of the language. I also investigated the FLT in Europe and made a comparison between the FLT in Europe and that in China. In comparison, I found out apparent differences. By analyzing the questionnaires, I brought forward my argument, i.e. learning a second foreign language can help us build up a harmonious linguistic view in the eyes of Europeans. At least, it has contributed a lot to the FLT in America and in Europe. However, is it applicable to China because the circumstance in China is very different? It needs more investigation and research.The results of the study have some indications for improving China's FLT.