COGNITIVE MODELS OF CÁI (才) AND JIÙ (就) IN MANDARIN CHINESE

Abstract

This article describes the meaning of the Mandarin functional elements 才 (cái) and 就 (jiù) on the basis of cognitive-linguistic models. Unlike a general cognitive-semantic analysis, three specific cognitive models are applied here: the scale image schema (the position of the actual value relative to a reference point), the force-dynamics model (就 - unimpeded, easy motion; 才 - overcoming of resistance, delay) and the construal model (the subjective setting of the reference point by the speaker). The three models combine into a single cognitive representation: 就 places the value in the lower and 才 in the upper zone of the scale. The findings are related to issues of Uzbek translation.