Metaphorical Mapping and Cultural Significance in Chinese Death-Related Idiomatic Expressions

• Published in: Metaphor and symbol Vol. 39; no. 3; pp. 149 - 168
• Main Authors: Chen, Yi-Zhong, Liu, Te-Hsin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mahwah Psychology Press 02.07.2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Connotation; Culture; Death & dying; English language; Euphemism; Idioms; Mandarin; Metaphor; Politeness; Social classes
• ISSN: 1092-6488; 1532-7868
• DOI: 10.1080/10926488.2024.2303660

This study examined the metaphorical expressions of death in Chinese quadrisyllabic idioms. Specifically, the research investigated the cultural connotations and implications conveyed through death-related idioms by analyzing metaphorical examples. Adopting the 'Great Chain of Being' framework (Lakoff and Turner, 1989), a total of 579 death-related idioms with metaphorical and euphemistic meanings were classified and examined. These idioms were further categorized based on the gender of the deceased as well as the initial metaphors and expressions employed. Our research findings highlight cultural parallels evident in death-related idiomatic expressions. Both English and Chinese languages employ metaphors like "DEATH IS SLEEP" and "DEATH IS DEPARTURE." These pervasive metaphors can be attributed to shared aspects of the human experience. Meanwhile, our findings also revealed a strong intertwining of metaphors and culture within death-related idioms, such that the metaphor "TO DIE IS TO FALL" is frequently used in Mandarin but is not as common in English. The metaphorical mapping mechanisms employed in these idioms reflect the Chinese way of projecting thoughts onto objects and highlight the unique features of the Chinese language. Chinese culture places great emphasis on social classes, relationships, and hierarchical structures. These notions are not only reflected in social etiquette and how one handles interactions, but are also evident in euphemisms and idioms associated with death.