Dynamic categorization of the Chinese verb 接jiē

Abstract This research, based on Dynamic Categorization Theory, investigates the diachronic semantic evolution of the Chinese verb 接 jiē , emphasizing the influence of metaphor and metonymy in expanding categories and restructuring semantics. The study identifies three key stages: (1) initial conservative changes within the same category, originating from embodied hand-action semantics through metonymy; (2) conservative transitions across neighboring or similar categories, facilitated by the contact–connection schema that allows metaphorical expansion from physical touch to conceptual domains like relationships and information exchange; (3) decategorization, where certain constructions transition from verbs to nouns or grammatical elements, diminishing typical action-related characteristics. The evolution of 接 jiē progresses from concrete actions to abstract relational and structural-functional meanings, illustrating the interplay between metaphor and metonymy in the process of grammaticalization. This case serves as a noteworthy example of semantic transformation in verbs and constructionalization.