The “Spirit of Qi”: A Cognitive Semantics Study on a Fundamental Concept of Chinese Language and Culture

• Main Authors: Ya-Juan Huang, 黃雅娟
• Other Authors: Szakos, Jozsef
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2004
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/59659530543955869974

碩士 === 靜宜大學 === 英國語文學系研究所 === 92 === Abstract The following is a cognitive semantic study on a fundamental concept of Chinese language and culture. In this thesis, our object is to explore the role of qi and the study of its full semantics. Depending on the foundation of Lakoff & Johnson’s (1980) theory (e.g., metaphor, metonymy, image schema), we used them to interpret the concept of qi. The major findings are that human beings create various meanings of qi in terms of three aspects (1) living in nature (2) their own feelings and (3) interacting with environment. Besides, though the form of qi is without change, the meaning has gradually changed from concrete to abstract. One interesting discovery is that some of the qi metaphors are extended to mean human beings’ disposition. On the other hand, qi is also extended to become an abstract concept, such as, vitality, disposition, and emotion. These concepts derive from the body-metaphor way of thinking in ancient Chinese times. The traditional culture deeply influences language use in Chinese even now, especially when concerning culture-specific emotions. For example, the concept of five elements in Chinese medicine influences the metaphorical use of fire and gas. Lastly, we find that the occurrence of source domain and target domain is also constructed on the basis of Chinese culture. Some particulars from philosophy, metaphysics, historical acts, more often mirror the daily life of Chinese people. To sum up, through the analysis of qi metaphor, this thesis proves that the relationship among language, culture, and thought is close, indivisible. It presents the content of culture inherent in the traditional values and thought. Thus, it provides a resource for the linguists and culture-researchers but also leaves room for further study by philosophers and historians.