A Study of Conceptual Metaphors in Xi Jinping’s Discourse from an Ecological Metaphor Perspective

This research, grounded in conceptual metaphor theory and viewed through the lens of ecological metaphor, explores the metaphorical construction and discourse logic in Xi Jinping’s political language. After a brief review of the theoretical foundations of conceptual and ecological metaphors, the study analyzes three prominent themes with high metaphorical resonance in Xi’s discourse. It reveals how ecological metaphors are employed to construct an organic system of discourse, highlighting the symbiotic relationships between humans and nature, and between the state and society. The findings demonstrate that ecological metaphors in Xi’s discourse not only enhance the persuasive power of policy narratives but also reflect the humanistic concerns and systematic thinking embedded in Chinese political discourse. This study aims to provide a cognitive linguistic perspective for understanding the characteristics of Chinese political discourse.