Author(s)

Liu Yu ^1,2

Affiliation(s)

¹ Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
² Philippine Christian University, Manila, Philippines

Corresponding Author

Liu Yu

ABSTRACT

Based on proximization theory, this paper analyzes the spokesperson's speeches of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on COVID-19, and the national image of China reflected in it. By using the software AntConc to retrieve the corpus, we analyze three dimensions of proximization theory---spatial, temporal and axiological proximization to find the construction of China’s national image. The research shows that, in terms of spatial, temporal and axiological strategies, the national image of China shaped by diplomatic discourse is mainly characterized by being responsible, loving peace, and pursuing win-win cooperation. This study provides a new idea for the construction of national image through proximization theory.

KEYWORDS

Proximization Theory; Diplomatic Discourse; COVID-19; National Image Construction

CITE THIS PAPER

Liu Yu, A Study of Speech in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Conference on COVID-19 and the Construction of National Image from the Perspective of Proximization Theory. Lecture Notes on Language and Literature (2023) Vol. 6: 40-46. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/langl.2023.060608.

REFERENCES

[1] Boulding, K. E. "National Images and the International Systems." Journal of Conflict Resolution, 1959: 120-131. 
[2] Cap, P. Legitimization in Political Discourse: A Cross-disciplinary Perspective on the Modern US War Rhetoric [M]. Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars Press, 2006. 
[3] Cap, P. Axiological Aspects of Proximization [J]. Journal of Pragmatics, 2010 (42):392-407. 
[4] Cap, P. Applying Cognitive Pragmatics to Critical Discourse Studies: A Proximization Analysis of Three Public Space Discourses [J]. Journal of Pragmatics, 2014 (70): 16-30. 
[5] Chilton, P. Analysing Political Discourse. Theory and Practice [M]. London: Routledge, 2004．
[6] Li Zhanzi. Discourse Analysis of Functional Linguistics in the Post-pandemic Era [J]. Foreign Language Studies, 2020. (5):1-6, 112. 
[7] Liu Jinan, He Hui, etc. The Image of China [M]. Beijing: Communication University of China Press, 2006: 5. 
[8] Sun Youzhong. Decoding China's Image: A Comparison of China Reports in The New York Times and The Times (1993-2002) [M]. Beijing: World Knowledge Publishing House, 2009. 
[9] Tang Guanghong. On National Image [J]. International Studies, 2004(4): 18-23. 
[10] Wang Hui, Xin Bin. Research on the Metaphor Construction of American Media on China's Image—A Case Study of Reports on "U. S. Withdrawal from TPP" [J]. Foreign Language Teaching 2019, (3): 32-38. 
[11] Wu Jianguo, Lin Jinrong, Li Yi. A New Approach to Critical Discourse Analysis—Approach Theory [J]. Foreign Languages, 2016, 39(5): 75-82. 
[12] Wu Yun. National Image Self-Construction and National Translation Planning: Concept and Path [J]. Foreign Language Studies, 2019. (3): 72-78. 
[13] Yan Bing, Zhang Hui. A Critical Cognitive Linguistics Study Based on the Sino-US Trade War Discourse——From the Perspective of Approximation Theory [J]. Foreign Language Studies, 2018. 
[14] Zeng Guang, Liang Xiaobo. Multimodal Metaphor Construction of National Image—Taking the Chinese National Image Film "Angle" as an Example [J]. Foreign Language Education Research, 2017, (2): 1-8. 
[15] Zhang Tianwei. Research on the Construction of the Discourse System of Political Leaders' Speeches——A Case Analysis Based on the Theory of Appropriation [J]. China Foreign Languages, 2016, 13(5): 28-35. 

Sponsors, Associates, and Links

---

• Journal of Language Testing & Assessment
  
  
• Information and Knowledge Management
  
  
• Military and Armament Science
  
  
• Media and Communication Research
  
  
• Journal of Human Movement Science
  
  
• Art and Performance Letters
  
  
• Lecture Notes on History
  
  
• Philosophy Journal
  
  
• Science of Law Journal
  
  
• Journal of Political Science Research
  
  
• Journal of Sociology and Ethnology
  
  
• Advances in Broadcasting