A Preliminary Thought On Metaphor Of Chinese Word In The Animal Domain

Cognitive linguist considers metaphor in essence, is the use of one object to understand and experience another object. Metaphor on the one hand manifests the cognitive world of mankind. On the other hand, it also uses an existing form of language to influence one's thinking. Animal and mankind have a close- knit relationship. Mankind sometimes view animal as a friend or as an enemy or as a source of food supply. Animal and mankind co-exists together and their activities intertwined, influencing each other. Mankind found in animal certain characteristics and images which are similar, leading to an analysis of their similarities to make sense of one's experience and relationship with one's surrounding. Therefore, there are many phrases and expressions on animal metaphors in different languages. Owing to the differences in social environment, cultural background and linguistic habits, there are many animal metaphors, though similar, which also differ vastly if not totally. This could cause some confusion to foreigners trying to learn the Chinese language. This thesis hopes to categorize the more commonly used animal metaphors and through a comparison of the metaphors of the east and west and highlighting its characteristics, it hopes to offer a tool to help in the teachings of the Chinese language.