The Use of CONTAINER and PATH Image Schema in the Chinese Government White Paper “Fighting COVID-19: China in Action”

Authors

  • Ruisi Zhang Universiti Sains Malaysia
  • Marlina Jamal Universiti Sains Malaysia
  • Malini Ganapathy Universiti Sains Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1601.34

Keywords:

image schema, ideology, political discourse, Chinese government white paper

Abstract

The paper explores the ideological representations of the CONTAINER and PATH image schemas within the Chinese government’s white paper, “Fighting COVID-19: China in Action”. This important political document provides a detailed account of the strategies and actions undertaken by the Chinese government. By integrating Johnson’s theory of image schemas with van Dijk’s theory of ideology, the study establishes a theoretical framework for analyzing the significance of these image schematic patterns concerning cognitive processes and ideological frameworks. The findings suggest that integrating the CONTAINER and PATH schemas effectively conveys ideologies in the white paper, thereby enhancing understanding of China’s actions and policies during the pandemic.

Author Biographies

Ruisi Zhang, Universiti Sains Malaysia

School of Languages, Literacies and Translation

Marlina Jamal, Universiti Sains Malaysia

School of Languages, Literacies and Translation

Malini Ganapathy, Universiti Sains Malaysia

School of Languages, Literacies and Translation

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Published

2026-01-07

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