Metaphorical Meanings of Food-Related Words in Chinese from the Perspective from Embodiment Theory: A Case Study of “豆腐 ”, “瓜 ”, “萝卜 ”, “白菜”

Abstract

This study applies the theory of conceptual metaphor and embodiment proposed by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson to analyze the development of metaphorical meanings of food-related words in Chinese, such as “豆腐” (tofu), “瓜” (melon), “萝卜” (radish), and “白菜” (Chinese cabbage). The results show that the semantic extension of these words is not random but originates from specific sensorimotor experiences in everyday life. Based on this analysis, the study clarifies the embodied basis of conceptual mapping and contributes to explaining the relationship among language, the body, and the socio-cultural context in Chinese.