• ISSN: 2382-6282 (Print); 2972-3108 (Online)
    • Abbreviated Title: Int. J. Lang. Lit. Linguist.
    • Frequency: Quarterly
    • DOI: 10.18178/IJLLL
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    • Managing Editor:  Shira.W.Lu
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HOME > Archives > 2026 > Volume 12 Number 1 (2026) >
IJLLL 2026 Vol.12(1): 78-83
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
Email: chenchao5659@qq.com (C.C.); xuehg@126.com (H.G.X.)
*Corresponding author

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. Zhuangzi 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 Zhuangzi 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 Zhuangzi. 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, Zhuangzi, translation strategies

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.

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).


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