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Article published In: Chinese Language and Discourse
Vol. 9:1 (2018) ► pp.26–45

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The econo-linguistics approach to the study of investor sentiment

Theoretical trends and research possibilities in Pan-Chinese markets

 | Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen |
 | Hang Seng Management College
 | City University of Hong Kong
Published online: 27 August 2018
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/cld.17002.cha
Abstract
This paper sets out to examine the existing literature in the study of investor sentiment, and propose research areas in the Pan-Chinese context by use of the econo-linguistics approach. This new research may provide insights into the mindset of Chinese investors by explicating the language that represents it. Such language arises in public financial discourse that involves the use of special terminology and metaphorical expressions in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan and may contribute to influencing investment behaviour and outcome. Following the review of the research, this paper proposes the use of an innovative mechanism and platform for systemizing financial terminologies and facilitating financial research within the inter-disciplinary framework of econo-linguistics, especially in the Pan-Chinese regions.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Towards a discipline of econo-linguistics
    • 2.1Preliminary thoughts on the link between language and economics
    • 2.2Some representative studies
  • 3.Proposed research areas in Pan-Chinese financial markets
    • 3.1Sociolinguistic and cultural background of Chinese key players in finance
    • 3.2Variations in financial terminology across Chinese communities
    • 3.3Convergence and divergence of Chinese financial terms
    • 3.4Economic and financial metaphors: Chinese examples in perspective
  • 4.Proposed methodology for the new research areas
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
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