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Cultural Characteristics of Sui Language from the Perspective of Cognitive Linguistics

Author(s)

Qingyan Yang

Affiliation(s)

School of Literature and Journalism, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China

Abstract

The Sui people are one of the ethnic minorities in China, with a current population of approximately 400,000. They mainly live in Sandu Sui Autonomous County, Qiannan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. Their language belongs to the Dong-Sui branch of the Zhuang-Dong language family. This study, based on the theoretical framework of cognitive linguistics, systematically analyzes the cognitive features of color terms, number terms, and season terms in the Sui language through a bilingual comparison with Chinese. The research findings show that the Sui language distinguishes only eight basic color systems, with a more simplified cognitive range compared to Chinese. In terms of number terms, the Sui people consider odd numbers to be auspicious, and their sacrificial activities follow the traditional concept of "odd numbers being auspicious". The cognition of seasons presents a two-layer structure: daily language uses a binary division of "hot season" and "cold season", while Sui books use the four-season division and incorporate the theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements. The study reveals the deep connection between the cognitive features of the Sui language and their agricultural life and cultural beliefs, highlighting the diversity of the language and culture of the Chinese nation. It has significant implications for the protection and inheritance of the language and culture of ethnic minorities.

Keywords

Cognitive Linguistics; Sui Language; Linguistic and Cultural Characteristics

References

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