A New Perspective for the Study of National Image: Critical Discourse Analysis

There are two dimensions in the study of national image: the image admitted by people in the nation, and the image recognized by other nations. Such a feature means that the national image is constructed subjectively and objectively. Considering domination of western media in the international communication and its function in building the image of China, it is suggested to apply critical discourse analysis to the field, interpreting the ideology and power within the western media discourse. Only penetrating the media veil historically and cognitively can China find the solution to the problem of unequal communication and then produce a better international environment for its peaceful rise in this century.