The spatial and temporal perception and expression in Vietnamese: A case study of qua

Abstract

This article analyzes the semantic and grammatical characteristics as well as the spatial reference and perspective of the word “qua” in Vietnamese; on that basis, examining its extension to temporal meaning. . The analysis results show a frame shift from space to time with “qua,” including the mapping of argument structure and perspective of movement. The frame shift also results in differences in qua’s semantic expression and the perception of time compared to those of space.