Abstract
This paper explores the semantic properties and extension paths of modern Mandarin Chinese spatial terms nei4 'in, inside' and wai4 'out, outside'. Their symmetric and asymmetric contrasts are accounted for with idealized cognitive models (ICMs) and metonymic models. These models are used to delineate the core meaning and main meaning extension routes of nei4 and wai4: from the area of a region to the length of the radius or side, and then to distance. Locations of the observer, marked foci, container metaphors and social backgrounds also contribute to the asymmetry of the two terms. The synchronic difference between nei4 and wai4 can also be attributed to diachronic changes.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | PACLIC 19 - Proceedings of the 19th Pacific Asia Conference on Language, Information and Computation |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | 19th Pacific Asia Conference on Language, Information and Computation, PACLIC 19 - Taipei, Taiwan Duration: 1 Dec 2005 → 3 Dec 2005 |
Conference
Conference | 19th Pacific Asia Conference on Language, Information and Computation, PACLIC 19 |
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Country/Territory | Taiwan |
City | Taipei |
Period | 1/12/05 → 3/12/05 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Language and Linguistics
- Computer Science (miscellaneous)