Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences: Comparative Analysis of the Coronavirus Metaphorical Projections in the Chinese and Russian Mass Media

Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences / Comparative Analysis of the Coronavirus Metaphorical Projections in the Chinese and Russian Mass Media

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Issue: Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences. 2021 14 (10)
Authors: Kalinin, Oleg I.; Romanov, Alexander S.
Contact information: Kalinin, Oleg I.: Military University, Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Moscow, Russian Federation; Moscow State Linguistic University Moscow, Russian Federation; Romanov, Alexander S.: Military University, Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Moscow, Russian Federation; Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Moscow, Russian Federation;
Keywords: coronavirus; military metaphor; media discourse; metaphorical model; representation
Abstract: This research focuses on a comparative analysis of the coronavirus metaphorical image in the Chinese and Russian mass media. The discursive theory of metaphor serves as a theoretical basis for our study. Within the framework of this theory metaphor is referred to as a cognitive frame, which operates in the discursive space for a certain period of time. J. Charteris-Black’s Metaphor Critical Analysis has been used for the practical part of this paper. Linguistic analysis is based upon headlines and leads of Chinese and Russian news reports on the coronavirus pandemic. A total of 750 units of analysis in Chinese and 1,000 units of analysis in Russian have been examined. The authors arrive at the conclusion that media projections of the coronavirus image in the PRC and Russia are similar. Among the most widespread metaphorical models are «Virus is Enemy/Antagonist,» «Virus is Natural Disaster/Phenomenon,» «Virus is Living Creature,» and «Virus is Cause of Fear.» Despite overall homogeneity of metaphorical images, quantitative indicators of the distribution of metaphors and metaphorical implications (entailments) show significant differences. Critical analysis of Chinese and Russian media metaphors has made it possible to scrutinize public opinion within two different political systems
Pages: 1499–1508
DOI: 10.17516/1997-1370-0834
Paper at repository of SibFU: https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/144699

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