Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale

Chinese Neologisms and Metaphorical Potential in Pedagogy

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Abstract

Neologisms are a group of words that have undergone a significant transformation from top-down dissemination to a more horizontal, grassroots-driven spread, particularly fuelled by the rise of the Internet and computer-mediated communication. In this paper, I examine the intersection of linguistic and cultural phenomena, focussing on the Chinese context, guided by Conceptual Metaphor Theory and Conceptual Blending Theory. The study seeks to unravel the cognitive and cultural mechanisms underpinning their formation and propagation. Furthermore, the exploration extends into the pedagogical potential of these linguistic phenomena, particularly their role in enhancing learners' cultural awareness, motivation, and metaphoric competence.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Presentato: 18 Febbraio 2025 | Accettato: 30 Luglio 2025 | Pubblicato 14 Novembre 2025 | Lingua: en

Keywords ChineseMetaphorChinese neologismsForeign languagePedagogy