The Semantic Analysis And The Culture Explanation Of "Xiao"

The word of "small" is the concept with a rich connotation in Chinese. It gradually establishes a system of semantic and rich connotation in consequence of the highly productive lexical formation, typically frequent using and a wide range of application.Referring to several authoritative dictionaries and from semantic and cultural perspective, this thesis aims to explore the semantic features of "small" through metaphor and metonymy which derives from the way of rhetoric. Also, with reference to the representative of Confucianism of Confucius, Mencius and Xunzi, researching into the classic of The Analects, Mencius, Xunzi, the author defines the word of "small" in different ways, such as the principles of people-oriented thoughts, diplomatic, educational ideas, aspects of human nature and concept of honor and disgrace, which explains the cultural connotations and practical significance.