Xin xiang in Chinese and thinking in the guts in Vietnamese-seen from the cognitive linguistics perspective
Abstract
Investigating the formation of cognitive related compound words in Chinese and Vietnamese, we can see that the word “heart” in Chinese and “ tim, long, dạ” in Vietnamese do not only convey the meaning of cognition but also contain human feelings and thoughts. The two ways to perceive the functions of parts of human body have both similarities and differences, expressing the possibilities to explore material world, including ourselves for Chinese and Vietnamese people. At the same time, they clearly reflect the typical features of the national cultures in Chinese and Vietnamese.