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The Educational Review, USA

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Article Open Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/er.2024.07.020

Metaphor and Metonymy in the Formation of Modern Chinese Characters

Cheng Yu

Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, Jilin, China.

*Corresponding author: Cheng Yu

Published: August 12,2024

Abstract

Conceptual metaphors and metonymy are fundamental theories in cognitive linguistics. They also play a significant role in the formation of modern Chinese characters. In this article, I begin by introducing the manifestations of conceptual metaphor and metonymy in the process of modern Chinese character formation. These include component semantic expansion, component ellipsis, and component arrangement. Subsequently, I delve into specific categories and examples of conceptual metaphors and metonymies in the formation of Chinese characters. Finally, the phenomena of 'metonymic chain' and 'metaphtonymy' are discussed. The study of Chinese characters has a rich historical tradition, and a fresh and insightful understanding of this intricate system can be gained by examining its formation through the lens of metaphor and metonymy.

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How to cite this paper

Metaphor and Metonymy in the Formation of Modern Chinese Characters

How to cite this paper: Cheng Yu. (2024). Metaphor and Metonymy in the Formation of Modern Chinese CharactersThe Educational Review, USA8(7), 1007-1014.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/er.2024.07.020