A Cognitive Linguistic Analysis of the Multiple Meanings of "浅ましい"

Abstract: Based on the Balanced Corpus of Contemporary Written Japanese (BCCWJ), this paper conducts an in-depth cognitive linguistic analysis of the Japanese lexeme "浅ましい" and its multiple meanings. Utilizing cognitive techniques such as metaphor and metonymy, the study classifies the semantic relationships of "浅ましい" in modern Japanese and reveals its affective tendencies across different contexts. Findings indicate that "浅ましい" predominantly conveys negative emotions, covering a range of meanings from the condemnation of desires and negative evaluations of appearance to the description of humility, sadness, and shame, and it is primarily used in written expression. In contrast, although this term is listed as a synonym of kawaisō (可哀想) in Weblio's Synonym Dictionary (2024), "浅ましい" carries a stronger connotation of pejoration and criticism, reflecting a richer spectrum of emotional nuances. Keywords: 浅ましい, Metaphor, Metonymy. Title: A Cognitive Linguistic Analysis of the Multiple Meanings of "浅ましい" Author: Chen Chujun International Journal of Novel Research in Interdisciplinary Studies ISSN 2394-9716 Vol. 11, Issue 6, November 2024 - December 2024 Page No: 32-39 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 19-November-2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14185355 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/A%20Cognitive%20Linguistic%20Analysis.pdf