A Corpus-based Studyof Shaoxing’s International Image and its Enhancement Strategies

Abstract

In the context of global urbanization and the gradual upgrading of urban competitiveness, a good city image is an important factor to improve local attractiveness. Shaoxing, as a representative city in the Yangtze River Delta with a long history and cultural heritage, the study of its international image shaping and dissemination undoubtedly has enlightenment for other cities. In order to investigate the image of Shaoxing in the English-speaking world, based on the NOW corpus developed by Professor Mark Davis of Brigham Young University, the data about Shaoxing reported in online news from major English-speaking countries and regions around the world were collected and analyzed. Through the specific statistics and analysis of the frequency of occurrence of English-language online news related to Shaoxing, reporting countries and sources, annual distribution characteristics, hot topics, and reporting tendencies, this paper interprets the image of Shaoxing in the mainstream English media, explored the root causes of the formation of Shaoxing’s international image, and put forward such measures as refining Shaoxing’s cultural characteristics, strengthening Shaoxing’s foreign economic ties, and establishing an international opinion monitoring mechanism to improve Shaoxing’s international image.