在本书中，余泽超博士以认知语言学中的可及性理论、象似性及标记理论为依据，自建英汉双语叙事语篇平行语料库，采用定性研究与定量分析相结合的方法，对语篇中的句内下指现象进行了较为深入的系统分析，对英汉下指句式作出了新的认知功能阐释。

Chapter 1 Introduction

 1.1 Definition of cataphora

 1.2 A preliminary survey of literature

 1.3 Objective and methodology

 1.4 Organization of the thesis

Chapter 2 Sentential Cataphora and Its Function： Review and Critique

 2.1 Cataphora in English

2.1.1 Van Hoek and the “P+N” pattern

2.1.2 Sentential cataphora and its function

 2.2 Cataphora in Chinese

2.2.1 Van Hoek (1997)'s influence

2.2.2 Cataphora and TC：Li (2004)

 2.2.2.1 Zero cataphora and “chaininitial cataphoric links”

 2.2.2.2 TC and／or sentence：Li's “sentenceinitial anaphoric links”

 2.2.2.3 Function of cataphora：Li (2004)'s interpretation

 2.3 Summary

Chapter 3 Interpreting Cataphora：Accessibility, Iconicity, and Markedness

 3.1 Topic continuity and NP accessibility

3.1.1 Topic continuity

3.1.2 Topic activation and NP accessibility (φ-P-N)

 3.2 Action continuity

3.2.1 Action continuity in -ing

3.2.2 Preposed vs. Postposed-ing (V-ing vs. v-ing)

 3.2.2.1 On V-ing

 3.2.2.2 On v-ing

 3.2.2.3 V-ing vs. v-ing

3.2.3 Arguing against syntactic backgrounding

 3.2.3.1 Confusion over “grounding”

 3.2.3.2 -ing as “subordination”

 3.2.3.3-ing as ADV

 3.2.3.4 Categorizing V-ing

 3.3 Anteriority and relative grounding

3.3.1 Time in narration：tense and aspect

3.3.2 Grammatical vs. inherent aspect

3.3.3 Perfective past (-ed)

3.3.4 The perfect

3.3.5 The imperfective (progressive／ongoing)

3.3.6 Verb aspect：events vs. states

3.3.7 Inherent aspect and grounding

3.3.8 Passivity

 3.4 Summary

Chapter 4 Cataphora in Chinese：Iconicity, Economy and Relative Grounding

 4.1 Zero-prominence vs. P-prominence (φ vs. P)

4.1.1 Pronunciation

4.1.2 Ellipsis

4.1.3 Linearity／Iconicity

 4.2 Iconicity in Chinese

4.2.1 Perfectivity and hierarchy of aspect

 4.2.1.1 Inherent perfectivity (V-R ／ VV)

 4.2.1.2 Compulsory aspect

4.2.2 “Where not to use-了1”

4.2.3 Case analysis

 4.2.3.1 The case of 看1

 4.2.3.2 The case of 到1

 4.2.3.3 Coherence bridge

 4.3 Summary

Chapter 5 Conclusion

Bibliography