THE SYMBOLOGY OF THE PLUME IN CHINESE IDIOMS
What is it about?
This paper aims at analyzing the symbolic background of the figurative motivation of plum in Chinese and the traces of this semiotics in the figurative lexicon, idioms and proverbs. From a linguo-cultural perspective, it bases on the Cognitive Theory of Figurative Language of Dobrovol'skij and Piirainen (2005). Plum has always played an important role in Chinese culture, bearing special social and cultural connotations, and serves as specific symbols, reflecting moral norms, beliefs, customs, etc. The correct understanding of these figurative expressions requires some knowledge about their origin and the cultural background that underlies them.
Why is it important?
The correct understanding of these figurative expressions requires some knowledge about their origin and the cultural background that underlies them. It analyzes the symbolic background of the figurative motivation of plum in Chinese and the traces of this semiotics in the figurative lexicon, idioms and proverbs.