Reality Framing in Russian, English, and Chinese Phraseological Units with Flowers

Abstract

Floriography is part of many cultures and provides an effective characterization means for a particular linguistic culture. The frame analysis method is a popular tool in phraseology, but it has never been applied to phraseological units with the flowers component. The study examined phraseological units with the flowers component in Russian, English, and Chinese in order to define their role in the corresponding linguistic worldviews. The frame organization analysis made it possible to identify the way these languages categorize reality. Phraseological units with flowers are more typical of Chinese and English; they are less typical of the Russian linguistic culture as a result of the harsh climatic conditions and the farming traditions. In this research, the frame analysis hinted at similar cognitive processes in all the three linguistic cultures, which was manifested as common subframes at all levels. The main subframes included characteristics of the subject, action aimed at the subject, qualitative assessment of reality, and evaluative characteristics of the action. In addition, flower names described different human qualities, characterized an ongoing event, and evaluated actions performed by the subject. Differences were registered at the slot level as a partially overlapping list of qualities, assessments, characteristics, and actions, which reflected the specifics of each national worldview. The results can facilitate intercultural communication for Russian, English, and Chinese speakers.