A Critical Metaphor Analysis of the Representations of AI in Online News Articles in Mainland China

Abstract

In recent years, the emergence of large-scale AI models like ChatGPT has sparked renewed discussions about AI in online news articles. However, how these articles in Mainland China represent AI through metaphorical expressions, as well as the socio-cultural factors influencing this metaphorical usage, have yet to be critically examined. Thus, this study conducts a critical metaphor analysis of these articles to investigate these issues. For this study, a corpus, composed of 59 AI-themed online news articles from Mainland China, is established and analyzed through both quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings indicate that the main AI-related metaphors include AI IS HUMAN, AI IS JOURNEY, AI IS WATER, AI IS FIRE, and AI IS REVOLUTION. These metaphors collectively portray a multifaceted image of AI, depicting it as an omnipotent assistant capable of empowering society and helping humanity, as well as a rapidly growing individual with significant potential for future development. Additionally, the use of these metaphors is influenced by various socio-cultural elements, such as Chinese philosophy and political ideologies. This research contributes to expanding the potential of critical metaphor analysis in examining discourse beyond political contexts while also raising public awareness of how metaphorical choices affect their perceptions of social issues.

Date of Award	9 Jan 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Hong Kong Baptist University
Supervisor	Winnie CHOR (Supervisor)