摘要：Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the meanings of onomatopoeia and mimetic words contextually used contextually when children play together. Methods: The participants included 40 children (ages 3–5 years) attending “M Daycare Center” in Seoul and “S Daycare Center” in Seongnam (a city in Gyeonggi-do). Twenty rounds of play observations were conducted at the centers. Once per week from May to October 2015. Results: The onomatopoeia and mimetic words observed were primarily relate to physical movements, sounds, and shapes. These types relate to Max van Manen’s life-world existentials, correlating with spatiality, corporeality, and relationality. The characteristics of onomatopoeic and mimetic words used were additive and were used by the children to refine and diversify their language skills and enrich their linguistic imaginations. Conclusion: Onomatopoeic and mimetic words help children design their own play situations based on their creativity and help them share the play with their peers.
关键词：onomatopoeia;mimetic;play;qualitative research
