Between burden and bridge

Metaphorical framing of accent among international students in China

Authors

  • Awaisuddin Yangzhou University, China
  • Haitao Miao Yangzhou University, China
  • Amjad Saleem Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Haripur, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/n95zz482

Keywords:

 international students, accent, China, higher education, language learning

Abstract

Learning a new language is central to both the academic and sociocultural adjustment of international students. Accent, in particular, represents a key site of emotional and identity negotiation. Drawing on conceptual metaphor theory (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980) and framing theory (Goffman, 1974), this study explores how international students in China conceptualize and experience their Mandarin accent. On the basis of metaphor-elicitation interviews with 25 international students from diverse linguistic backgrounds, the findings suggest the presence of two dominant and contrasting metaphorical frames; the ‘Burden/Barrier’ frame is associated with anxiety, frustration, and perceived social distance, whereas the ‘Bridge/Tool’ frame reflects meanings of access, identity, and agency. These metaphorical framings appear to shape how learners interpret their communicative experiences, negotiate identity, and position themselves socially. The results of this study suggest that accents may function as a cognitive filter through which aspects of the international students’ experiences are interpreted. 

Author Biographies

  • Awaisuddin, Yangzhou University, China

    Awaisuddin is an MA student of English Linguistics and Applied Linguistics at the College of International Studies, Yangzhou University, China. His research interests lie in Cognitive Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Discourse Analysis, and Sociolinguistics. He is particularly interested in language, thought, and metaphor. 

  • Haitao Miao, Yangzhou University, China

    Miao Haitao is a Professor of Linguistics at the College of International Studies, Yangzhou University, China. His major research interests lie in Cognitive Linguistics and Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL).

     
  • Amjad Saleem, Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Haripur, Pakistan

    Amjad Saleem is an Associate Professor of Linguistics at the Department of English and Modern Languages, Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Haripur, Pakistan. His major research interests lie in Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Sociolinguistics, and Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL).

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Published

2026-05-26

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 14 (2026): Journal of International Students

Section

Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Awaisuddin, Haitao Miao, Amjad Saleem

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How to Cite

Awaisuddin, Haitao Miao, & Saleem, A. . (2026). Between burden and bridge: Metaphorical framing of accent among international students in China. Journal of International Students, 16(14), 273-292. https://doi.org/10.32674/n95zz482