A Study on the Symbolic Meaning of Territorial Names in Disputes Between China and Its Neighboring Countries — Taking the Diaoyu Islands as an Example

Abstract

The territory in disputes between two countries often has different names. China and Japan have different names for Diaoyu Islands. It is called Diaoyu Islands in China, and Senkaku Islands in Japan. From the perspective of meaning reference theory, this paper analyzes the meanings behind the different symbolic names of Diaoyu Islands in China and Japan, the reasons and the impact of their use. Based on meaning reference theory and from the perspective of linguistic philosophy, this paper aims at proving that Diaoyu Islands is China’s inherent territory and further enriching relevant studies on meaning reference theory by applying it to political field.