Abstract：Abstract: Contrastive linguistics is of unneglectable importance in language studies. The recent years have witnessed some breakthroughs in this area, but generally speaking, its decline has been obviously felt. It lacks a holistic vision in relevant research, either raking up some old topics or digging up some shallow and scattering ones. Besides, a great number of researches do nothing more than mimicking what others say in foreign language studies, and Western theories are considered models in Chinese studies in many cases, which results in insufficient innovation in theory. This article attempts to explore the nature of contrastive linguistics, its developmental trackin China and its status quo, and emphasizes its significance in natural language studies, foreign language teaching research, translation studies and research on different ways of national thinking, in the hope that the present discussion can arouse a particular concern to the related academic world. Key words: contrastive linguistics; natural language studies; foreign language teaching research; translation studies; research on different ways of national thinking
