This book offers an interdisciplinary investigation into the role of metaphorical language in Chinese oral epics. Rooted in cognitive-pragmatic theory, it analyzes how metaphorical discourse operates, both as a cognitive tool and a pragmatic strategy, in shaping and transmitting the cultural narratives embedded in these epics. Integrating  theoretical frameworks from cognitive linguistics and pragmatics with a bilingual corpus, the work explores metaphorical patterns and their functions in oral performance. By connecting micro-level linguistic features to macro-level cultural logic, it proposes a Three-Layer, Six-Mechanism Model, describing  how metaphor links  individual cognition, communal discourse, and cultural continuity. Furthermore, the study discusses cross-epic variations and seeks to contribute to international metaphor studies by sharing perspectives from Chinese oral traditions, while addressing broader debates on cultural heritage and narrative studies.

Deng Zhiyu is an Associate Professor of Linguistics and Translation Studies at South-central Minzu University.  Known for her translations of Chinese oral  epics and Neo-Confucian classics, Dr. Deng is a recipient of the Outstanding Young and Middle-aged Translator Award of  Central and West China. She has published peer-reviewed articles and seven translation volumes , aiming to bring classical thought and living narrative traditions to global audiences.