Semantic derivation of the “[chi] (Eat) + object” idiom in mandarin, taiwanese and hakka

Abstract

[chi] (Eat)” in chinese is a high-frequency verb. It can be found in modern chinese “X” idiom commonly. This paper summarizes the semantic interaction between the verb “” and its object constructed in Madarin, Taiwanese and Hakka, and analysizes the types of its object first, the differences and similarities between “typical objects” and “non-typical objects” are also discussed. The process of deriving the meaning of the verb “” is also analyzed within the framework of the cognitive metaphor, metonymy, and the prototype theory, in order to highlight the characteristic representations of Taiwan’s languages.