隐喻层级理论视域下英汉“高/低”空间隐喻系统多维解析

A Multi-Dimensional Examination of “High/Low” Spatial Metaphors in English and Chinese: Insights from Multi-Level Metaphor Theory

  • 摘要: 本研究从隐喻层级理论视角出发,采用语料库研究方法,对比考察英汉“高/低”空间隐喻的分布规律,旨在对二者异同形成的根本原因和理据进行多维解析,从而加深对语言空间隐喻现象的理解,推进空间隐喻的深入研究。研究发现:1)在意象认知层级,英汉“高/低”空间隐喻隶属相同的基础隐喻范畴,可分为事件结构隐喻和时空隐喻。这体现了感觉运动经验在人类概念化活动中的核心作用。2)在概念域层级,英汉“高/低”空间隐喻高度一致,即双方的投射集中于“数量”、“力量”、“感知”、“评价”、“心智”和“时间”六个靶域,而且二者的隐喻拓展也具有相似性,即凡是定义为“高”的事物,多用于表征积极的意义,凡是定义为“低”的事物,多用于表征消极的意义。人类概念系统的趋同性和体验对称性是形成这些共性的主要动因。3)在语言表达层级,与英语相比,汉语空间隐喻能产性更高,体现出更加积极的建构取向。这些差异的形成受思维风格和文化体验的制约和影响。

     

    Abstract: Drawing on the multi-level theory of metaphor, this study delves into the systemic manifestations of “high/low” spatial metaphors in English and Chinese, with a view to elucidating the underlying dynamics that account for their similarities and differences through a multidimensional analysis. In doing so, it deepens our understanding of spatial metaphor in language. The research reveals that: 1) At the level of image cognition, English and Chinese “high/low” spatial metaphors fall into the same categories of primary metaphors, namely Event-Structure Metaphors and Spatio-Temporal Metaphors, underscoring the central role of sensorimotor experience in human conceptualization. 2) At the level of conceptual domain, a marked convergence can be observed between the two languages, with metaphorical mappings concentrated in six shared target domains—quantity, force, perception, evaluation, mind, and time. In both languages, what is construed as “high” tends to be associated with positive meanings, whereas what is construed as “low” tends to be linked to negative meanings, reflecting the convergence of the human conceptual system and the symmetry of embodied experience. 3) At the level of linguistic expression, Chinese spatial metaphors display greater productivity and a more active construal orientation than their English counterparts. These differences are shaped by distinct cognitive styles and cultural experiences.

     

/

返回文章
返回