“水”意象的隐喻衍生机制——兼谈中西方“水喻”文化差异性

The metaphorical derivation mechanism of “water”image——cultural difference of water metaphor between China and western countries

从解析中国文化根隐喻——"水"的概念隐喻特征入手,揭示宗教、古代文学和成语、惯用语等不同语体类型中"水喻"的主要特征,并藉此探寻"水喻"衍生的机制以及中西方隐喻衍生方式的异同。中国文化中的"水喻"倾向于以水的自然属性抽象出的概念特征为衍生的基点。比较而言,西方的"水喻"衍生方式相对简单,少了一种哲理化的意蕴,但多了一份与自然抗争之意。研究发现支持了"文化制约隐喻思维"的文化隐喻观。

This paper starts with the analysis of the conceptual representation of the Chinese root metaphor——＂water＂. This paper then explores the distinctive features of＂water metaphor＂in different registers,such as in religion,ancient literature,idioms and proverbs. Derivation routes of ＂water metaphor＂are then explored,followed by a discussion of the cultural differences between China and western countries. It is found that Chinese concepts of ＂water metaphor＂are abstract mappings of the natural features of water. The derivation routes in western countries,by contrast,are simple and less rational,which reveals westerners＇ attempts to struggle against nature. The findings echo the statement——＂Culture shapes metaphorical thinking. ＂