Difference of Sino-US National Image Construction Seen from the Use of Shell Nouns: Illustrated by News Reports on the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This research examines the national image reflected in the use of shell nouns in Chinese and American news reports about the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a self-established corpus, more than 60 Chinese and 80 American news reports have been analyzed. With a focus on the stance expression of shell nouns, this study reveals the following: (1) In the use of Entity shell nouns, Chinese news reports tend to use Event nouns, measure(s), and Cognition nouns, such as vision, whereas American news reports prefer using nouns like effort(s) to convey negative information; (2) in the use of Attribute shell nouns, Chinese news reports tend to use positive evaluative nouns and Ability nouns, while American news reports prefer negative evaluative nouns and less use of Ability nouns. The research findings demonstrate China’s global view and efforts to combat the pandemic, reflecting its national image of assuming responsibility, contributing, being ready to help neighboring countries, and being open and inclusive. In contrast, American news reports present a negative national image of lack of effort in the pandemic, shirking responsibility, chaos within its government, and disregard for people’s lives.