An Analysis of “Sorghum” Metaphors in the Novel “Hóng Gaoliáng Jiazú”: A Cognitive Linguistics Approach

Authors

  • Yao Siqi

Keywords:

Cognitive Linguistics, Conceptual Metaphor Theory, “Sorghum” Metaphors, Mo Yan, Red Sorghum, Modern Chinese Literature

Abstract

《红高粱家族》“Hóng Gāoliáng Jiāzú” is a highly popular and influential novel written by the 2012 Nobel Literature Prize winning Chinese author Mo Yan. This research aims to study conceptual metaphors about “Sorghum” as reflected in metaphorical expressions used in this novel. The analysis was based on the rationale for implementing cognitive semantics and Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) developed by Lakoff and Johnson (2003). The results showed two categories of metaphors: (1) SORGHUM IS A HUMAN BEING (2) SORGHUM IS AN INANIMATE THING. The mapping from the source domains HUMAN BEING and INANIMATE THING to the target domain SORGHUM are possible due to the existence of similarities between the two domains. One part of the features of the source domains is highlighted in each of the distinct “Sorghum” metaphors. These metaphors are influenced by various factors such as cultural, social, and cognitive factors, all playing important roles in the formation of “Sorghum” metaphors.

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