A semantic and cultural comparative study of Chinese and Russian idioms related to body parts

this study systematically compares Chinese and Russian idioms related to body parts to identify their semantic and cultural characteristics and develop effective methodological approaches to teaching Chinese to Russian-speaking students. The study utilized cognitive analysis of metaphors, cross-cultural comparison of phraseological units, and a pedagogical experiment using situational and visual teaching methods. The results revealed three types of cultural prototypes: universal, overlapping, and dissonant, demonstrating differences in the conceptualization of bodily experience in the Chinese and Russian linguistic worldviews. It was demonstrated that integrating cultural context, explaining metaphorical mechanisms, and using interactive forms of work contribute to improved understanding and reproduction of idioms, with the level of correct use in communicative tasks increasing by 35%. The findings can be used in the development of teaching materials and professional development courses for Chinese language teachers.

comparison of Chinese and Russian idioms, idioms related to body parts, metaphorical cognition, cultural differences, idiom teaching, cognitive analysis, pedagogical strategies