A Multimodal Metaphorical Analysis Of 5G Image Construction In Chinese Communication Publicity Films

Nowadays,metaphorical expressions are increasingly multimodal,where verbal symbols are used interactively with non-verbal symbols including visuals,color,and sound to deepen meaning communication.Multimodal metaphors are the product of conceptual metaphors being vertically extended and multimodal discourse analysis being horizontally expanded.English version of China 5G publicity films are a distinct type of multimodal discourse,which is an effective method to expand China’s technological influence,promote intelligent development,and advance social progress.This paper explores the multimodal expression of the 5G “intelligent interconnection”theme from the perspective of functional grammar,aiming to study how language and multimodality convey its core metaphorical meaning.Based on Halliday’s Functional Grammar and Kress and Van Leeuwen’s Visual Grammar theory,this paper constructs a new theoretical framework and conducts a multimodal discourse analysis of 5G publicity films.The current study investigates metaphorical meanings in verbal modes using transitivity,voice,and modality systems,and uses representational meaning,interactive meaning and compositional meaning in visual grammar to analyze metaphorical meanings in visual modes to understand how the complementary relationship between multiple modes conveys metaphorical meaning.Based on the above theories,this research is guided by three research questions:(1)How does verbal mode build metaphorical meaning in 5G publicity films?(2)How does visual mode build metaphorical meaning in 5G publicity films?(3)What kind of 5G image is constructed by metaphorical meanings?There are some findings: first of all,in terms of verbal mode,the 5G publicity films use more material processes,relational processes and existential processes in the material system to build the conceptual function of the 5G publicity films,covering all aspects of 5G.When constructing the interpersonal function,mood and modality system shorten the intimate connection with the audience.Secondly,in terms of visual mode,the 5G publicity films make use of various camera angles,image display proportions and visual elements to integrate metaphorical meaning.In the presentation of metaphorical meaning,verbal and visual modes complement each other in a non-reinforcing complimentary connection.Thirdly,both verbal mode and visual mode exist metaphorically,and this multimodal metaphor can better express the ideas contained in the publicity film.In addition to expressing the core metaphor of“intelligent interconnection”,the 5G publicity films also reflects “China’s speed,China’s wisdom,and China’s power”.In short,the 5G publicity films are not only a speech presentation,information transmission or opinion expression.However,more importantly,the multimodal discourse practice conveys a value and status.It also demonstrates that China is becoming increasingly influential on the international stage.