The metaphor structures of human - nature cognition In vietnamese folk songs, proverbs, and idioms

Abstract

Nature is always present in the Vietnamese consciousness in the wealthy and diverse treasure of folk songs and proverbs. From the perspective of cognitive linguistics theory, this article examines the conceptual metaphor of the domain NATURE in Vietnamese folk songs, proverbs, and idioms. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, combined with the MIP metaphor recognition method, we analyze the characteristics of the conceptual metaphor of the domain NATURE in related documents. The results show that the concept of NATURE is expressed through typical natural phenomena and natural objects such as earth, water, wind, fire, sky, and moon through 106 folk songs, proverbs, and idioms. The source domain HUMAN and GOD most clearly reflect the target domain NATURE. Through the survey and analysis of linguistic materials related to natural phenomena and objects, the article contributes to clarifying the unique thinking of Vietnamese people to see the linguistic picture of nature in daily life.