Hongying Li
Department of Spanish Philology, Xianda College of Economics and Humanities, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China
Xingzhi Wan
Faculty of Translation and Language Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Sapin
This article examines the metaphors used by Chinese early career researchers (ECRs) on the influential social media platform Little Red Book to discuss their roles and identities. It aims to provide empirical insights into their authentic ideas and attitudes regarding career development within the current landscape of Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs). Applying the MIPVU (Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit), 161 relevant linguistic metaphors were identified within a self-compiled small-scale corpus for this study. These metaphors were categorized into 33 metaphorical patterns using the Dynamic Discourse Approach, such as ECR IS A SOLDIER, ECR IS A SINNER and ECR IS A TOOL. The findings illuminate the discrepancy between external expectations and supports received, tensions between widely implemented quantitative performance evaluation system and lower-tier university platform restrictions, compromised research creativity and a pessimistic existential crisis experienced by ECRs in mainland China. Crucially, this research introduces a linguistic research perspective that is distinct from conventional questionnaire and semi-structured interview methods commonly used in studies regarding university teachers. Furthermore, it reveals the shared challenges encountered by this group and the diverse impact of these challenges in widespread practice.
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Copyright © 2024 Hongying Li, Xingzhi Wan
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