Metaphor and Metonymy: Differences in Chinese Language and Culture

Traditional rhetoric theory regards metaphor and metonymy as two literary rhetoric devices. Modern cognitive linguistics believes that metaphor does not only exist in the field of literature. Metaphor is not only a rhetorical device but also a way of thinking. However, the current research on metaphor and metonymy is still limited to the English language world. Hence, there is a lack of knowledge and research on metaphor and metonymy across languages and cultures. This paper begins with an overview of metaphor from the perspective of modern cognitive linguistics. Then, it expounds on the differences between metaphor and metonymy from two aspects of structure and function. Besides, this paper analyzes the differences between metaphor and metonymy with examples based on the Chinese cultural background.