doi: 10.18178/IJLLL.2026.12.1.634
A Study on Metaphor Translation Strategies in Zhuangzi from the Perspective of Embodied Cognition
Chen Chao
,
Hongguo Xue *
- School of Foreign Languages, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
- Manuscript received November 28, 2025
- accepted February 19, 2026
- published March 25, 2026
Abstract
Embodied cognition theory is a prominent topic in contemporary cognitive science research, with metaphor reflecting a crucial characteristic of human cognition. Metaphors lay a solid groundwork for embodied cognition and cultural substrates. <em>Zhuangzi</em> extensively employs metaphors, and embodied cognition theory can provide a novel perspective and substantial insights for the study of metaphor translation strategies. This research analyzes the translation strategies adopted in Feng Youlan’s English rendition of <em>Zhuangzi</em> by examining the projection of embodied cognitive experiences from the source language into the target language, forming a shared substratum. The study reveals that the translator employs strategies such as literal translation, transposition, and free translation to taper off discrepancies in embodied cognition during metaphor translation, thereby constructing a practical way for Feng Youlan’s translation of <em>Zhuangzi</em>. Through the distinctive communicative function of language, the translation conveys universally accessible mental experiences to the target audience, enhancing the acceptability of the translated text.
Keywords
- embodied cognition
- conceptual metaphor
- <em> Zhuangzi</em>
- translation strategies
How to Cite
Chen Chao and Hongguo Xue, "A Study on Metaphor Translation Strategies in Zhuangzi from the Perspective of Embodied Cognition," International Journal of Languages, Literature and Linguistics, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 78-83, 2026. https://doi.org/10.18178/IJLLL.2026.12.1.634
Copyright & License
Copyright © 2026 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).