Contrastive Analysis Of Cultural Factors In Chinese And English Time Conceptual Metaphors

This thesis employs Conceptual Metaphor Theory from cognitive linguistics put forward by Lakoff to analyze Chinese and English time conceptual metaphors, and to try to find out the cultural factors which lead to the similarities and differences between Chinese and English time conceptual metaphors. Time conceptual metaphors, according to conceptual metaphor theory, can be categorized into three groups:"ontological metaphors of time", "structural metaphors of time" and "orientational metaphors of time". On the basis of which a contrastive analysis is made of the three different types of time conceptual metaphors from the perspective of cultural factors.This research randomly collects about 200 items of Chinese and English time conceptual metaphors from the internet, and through careful selection,156 items were used in the study,79 English items and 77 Chinese items. A careful analysis of the items was made to find out the cultural factors hidden in the Chinese and English time conceptual metaphors and their detailed analysis of source domain and mapping.The findings show that, because of the complexity and diversity of English and Chinese culture, among the cultural factors, perceptions of time, geographical features, religion and values are the major factors for the homology and dissimilarity of Chinese and English time conceptual metaphor's source domain. Only through the comparative study of Chinese and English time conceptual metaphors can we get a better understanding of the differences between English and Chinese culture and the representation of time conceptual metaphors, which is expected to enhance mutual understanding, promote cultural exchange, and even push society forward.