Analogy as a figure of speech in modern Chinese

Abstract

This study aims at examining the use of analogy as a figure of speech in modern Chinese. Since the 20th century, there have been many invaluable research results among the definition, classification, rhetorical effects and rules of usage of analogy as a figure of speech in modern Chinese. Their research methods and frameworks, however, are different and cause obstructions of learning and further studies. In order to clear the problem, this study aims at examining the use of analogy as a figure of speech in modern Chinese.

The thesis consists of 6 chapters. Chapter 1 is an introduction which outlines the background, objectives, major points and methodology of the research.

Chapter 2 is a literature review. It points out different contents of related researches since the 20th century and shows the discrepancy between different research results. Nowadays, the definition, classification, rhetorical effects, rules of usage and comparison with other figures of speech were common categories of doing research in analogy as a figure of speech in modern Chinese. However, there are wide discrepancies between different research results in their definition and classification.

Chapter 3 introduces a new definition of analogy. “Analogy is a figure of speech that under a specific context, the writer or the speaker uses one or more understandable or attractive things to express one or more non-understandable or unattractive things to produce more understandable or attractive rhetorical effects where the two or more things are different but similar in properties.” This new definition is illustrated after reviewing different definitions in other researches and after examining a sufficient amount of texts.

Chapter 4 unifies the classification of analogy as a figure of speech. 60 kinds of analogy as a figure of speech are found presently, but their contents are seriously overlapping. A very detailed classification is illustrated in this chapter. The overlapping situation can be avoided by creating sub-groups in this system. Two versions were created. The detailed version can be used as a reference by linguistics experts whereas the simple version can be used for reference by secondary school students or the general public.

Chapter 5 organizes and classifies the rhetorical effects and the rules of usage of analogy as a figure of speech. Using simple, concrete or familiar things to express difficult, abstract and unfamiliar things are conservative rules of usage. It helps to create an easy, concrete or familiar feeling. Using lifelike, bright or associated things to express ordinary, mediocre or dull things are aggressive rules of usage. It helps to create a lifelike, bright or unforgettable feeling.

Chapter 6 is a conclusion which summarizes the findings and provides suggestions on researches in other figures of speech. This chapter states that research results of other figures of speech may also have discrepancies. Therefore, the methodology and finding of this study can be used as reference for other researches of other figures of speech.