A boon or a bane: multimodal figurative framing in Chinese and foreign BRI-themed cartoons

The present research aims to marry insights from Cognitive Linguistics to those of Communication Studies and propose an integrated framework known as multimodal figurative framing. Two comparable multimodal corpora, consisting of BRI-themed cartoons retrieved from China Daily (CD: 152 cartoons) and Google News & Images (GN&I: 56 cartoons), are compiled and examined to explore the theoretical and practical values of multimodal figurative devices in framing abstract political topics. Through an integration of quantitative and qualitative analysis, the study reveals that the employment of different figurative frames in these cartoons leads to contrasting interpretations of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In the CD corpus, a total of 15 multimodal metonymies and 13 metaphors can be identified, which serve to frame BRI as a beneficial endeavour associated with equality, win-win cooperation, peaceful progress, shared prosperity, multilateral inclusiveness, and green sustainability. In contrast, the GN&I corpus employs 9 multimodal metonymies and 11 metaphors to frame BRI as a detrimental scheme characterised by attributes such as destruction, aggression, deception, hegemony, competition, contradiction, and invasion. The study helps lay bare opposite attitudes toward the BRI, which stem from divergent political ideologies.