Linguocultural aspect of phraseological units (Guanyongyu) in modern Chinese language

Abstract The relevance of this study is primarily due to the constant influence of extra-linguistic factors (cultural, historical, and technological) on intralinguistic ones (plan of expression, semantics) in the modern Chinese phraseological picture of the world. The purpose of this study was to identify the main linguocultural features of Guanyongyu through the study of lexico-semantic and stylistic relations. The methods used in this study included analytical-synthetic, lexico-semantic, pragmatic, linguocultural, and statistical analyses. The key features of the group of Chinese phraseological units called Guanyongyu were indicated in the study: preservation of the connection between semantic components and the integral meaning of the phraseological unit, active structural transformations, use in everyday speech, 3 (rarely 4) syllable structure, high metaphoricity, and imagery. The study identified the following groups of “habitual expressions”: with somatic components, with metaphorical components, specifically with a zoonimic or botanical basis, as well as with key mythological or literary nominations. The study also considered different groups of phraseological units by stylistic colouring: negative, neutral, and positive. The analysis of phraseological units that emerged after the COVID-19 crisis showed that they usually had negative (more rarely positive) connotations and demonstrated the dominance of collective values over individual values. The following were identified as the main linguocultural features: negative connotations, satirical ridicule, use of somatic and zoonimic components, metaphorical transfers, dominance of the collective over the individual, connection with Chinese mythology, and literary images. In a further scientific perspective, this study can be used for comparative analysis of phraseological pictures of the world of different countries and nationalities and consideration of the basis of conceptualization through the analysis of cognitive aspects embedded in phraseological units.