Abstract:

Conceptual metaphors are ubiquitous cognitive tools. They are widely used in political discourse in order to explain abstract concepts in a vivid way. Using a corpus based study on President Xi Jinping’s series of international political speeches, this paper summarizes and analyzes the “road” metaphors and their functions in constructing national identity. The research revealed that the conceptual metaphor of “road” in Xi Jinping’s series of diplomatic speeches is rich in terms of representation and connotation. A critical metaphor analysis revealed that, in order to express China’s outlook on development and cooperation and the worldwide significance of China’s development, the speaker tactfully used the metaphor numerous times to exemplify China’s proposed development via the common experience of the human cognition of “road”. The metaphor was also used to illustrate China’s attitude, confidence, determination and courage in seeking the common goal of development and prosperity for the entire world through the establishment of a new global development partnership, and of creating a better future for mankind. The “road” metaphor is integral to the promotion of a positive national identity as “a people-oriented, road-confident developing country”, “an open and inclusive, mutually beneficial and win-win partner”, “a willing-to-help, responsible member of the international community”, and the promotion of a national image as “a responsible major country” in the global community.

Keywords: “road” metaphor; critical metaphor analysis; national identity; diplomatic discourse

摘要：

作为一种认知工具，概念隐喻无处不在。它们被广泛运用于政治语篇中，使抽象概念得到生动形象的阐释。本文以习近平总书记系列对外演讲为语料，归纳和分析其中所包含的“路”隐喻及其国家身份构建功能。研究表明：习近平总书记系列对外演讲中“路”的概念隐喻有着丰富的表征和内涵。通过批评隐喻分析发现，演讲者巧妙地借助人类对“路”的认知的共同体验，精辟地阐释了中国的发展道路、中国的发展观和合作观以及中国发展的世界意义，表明了中国谋求与世界各国共同发展繁荣、建立新型全球发展伙伴关系、共创世界美好未来的态度、信心、决心和勇气，构建了中国“以民为本、道路自信的发展中国家”“开放包容、互利共赢的合作伙伴”“兼济天下、勇担责任的国际社会成员”等一系列积极正面的国家身份和负责任的大国形象。

关键词: “路”隐喻, 批评隐喻分析, 国家身份, 外交话语