A Comparative Study Of English And Chinese Catchwords

Catchwords refer to those widely and quickly spread words and expressions in a certain period, area or group, which, from a certain point of view, express people's values, ideas and states of mind and reflect social phenomena. To track the popular words used in a society is in a certain way to follow the development track and direction of the society. Since the 1980s, the world has entered into an information age. Science and technology has been developing rapidly at an unprecedented speed. The world has witnessed great changes in political, economic, cultural fields. Meanwhile, China has been carrying out a series of political and economic reforms, which have brought about amazing changes in all social aspects. All the changes either on the international level or on the national level have brought about a magnitude of catchwords both in English and Chinese. These catchwords are a great challenge to those who learn English or Chinese as a foreign language.Generally speaking both English and Chinese catchwords are created on the basis of their own word elements. The aim of this study is to make a comprehensive analysis and comparison between English and Chinese catchwords in terms of lexicological, semantic and sociolinguistic theories with the hope that it can help foreign language learners get clearer views about the formation rules and semantic features of English and Chinese catchwords. It is aimed as well to inform foreign language learners of the socio-cultural connotations of English and Chinese catchwords.This dissertation gives the definition and classification of neologism. It explores the three sources of catchwords both in English and Chinese, such as creating catchwords with native word elements, adding new meanings to existing words, and borrowing words from other languages.This study is focused on the analyses of formation features and socio-cultural features of English and Chinese catchwords. Research shows that compounding, affixation andshortening are the most active ways to create catchwords both in English and Chinese. And there are some detailed analyses of them.Metaphor is a very important formation mechanism in the formation of catchwords. Being traditionally viewed as a figure of speech, its function is primarily decorative and ornamental in nature. However, in the past few decades, the studies on metaphor shows that metaphor is not just a matter of linguistic phenomenon. It is pervasive in everyday life, not just in language but also in thought and action. The human's ordinary conceptual system is fundamentally metaphorical in nature. Since many catchwords have gone through the phases of semantic metaphorization, semantic generalization and semantic blurriness, metaphor plays an important role in their formation.This study also shows that English and Chinese catchwords result from the interaction of linguistic factors and social factors. With the development of society, there will be more and more catchwords in English and Chinese. At the same time, the growing communication between English-speaking people and Chinese people will increase their contacts. English and Chinese catchwords will share more and more features. The study of English and Chinese catchwords comprehensively will enable language learners to enlarge their vocabulary and understand their target languages better. As a result, it can promote foreign language learners' understanding about the culture of the target language, which may help them understand and interpret catchwords properly.