The Translation and Cognitive Interpretation of the Rhetorical Devices in Internet Hot Words from 2012 to 2025

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that research on internet hot words from cognitive linguistic perspective has mostly focused on exploring their metaphorical nature. However, there are not many studies that discuss the translation and analyze the linguistic phenomena via employing theories in cognitive linguistics. In view of this, this study draws on to cover two aspects: the translation of the internet hot words; the conceptual blending analysis of the rhetorical devices of internet hot words. Firstly, the annual internet hot words during the fourteen years from 2012 to 2025 have been collected. Secondly, the internet hot words that involve using of rhetorical devices have been identified, categorized, and analyzed. Thirdly, the translation of two typical internet hot words has been analyzed. Finally, two typical internet hot words with the employment of rhetorical device have been selected and interpreted cognitively based on the conceptual blending theory. It was found that the phenomenon of using rhetorical devices in internet hot words is extremely common, especially with more metaphors, hyperboles, and metonymies. In addition, the translation of the internet hot words with the employment of rhetorical devices should take cultural elements into consideration. The conceptual blending theory can well explain the rhetorical meaning embodied in internet hot words.