Metaphor and Metonymy in the Formation of Modern Chinese Characters

Conceptual metaphors and metonymy are fundamental theories in cognitive linguistics. They also play a significant role in the formation of modern Chinese characters. In this article, I begin by introducing the manifestations of conceptual metaphor and metonymy in the process of modern Chinese character formation. These include component semantic expansion, component ellipsis, and component arrangement. Subsequently, I delve into specific categories and examples of conceptual metaphors and metonymies in the formation of Chinese characters. Finally, the phenomena of 'metonymic chain' and 'metaphtonymy' are discussed. The study of Chinese characters has a rich historical tradition, and a fresh and insightful understanding of this intricate system can be gained by examining its formation through the lens of metaphor and metonymy.