|
License Agreement on scientific materials use.
|
|
|
The metaphorical image of the English language in contemporary English-language linguodidactic discourse
|
Timofey Vitalievich Leonov
Higher School of Economics, Moscow
|
|
Submitted:
September 18, 2025
|
|
Abstract.
The study aims to identify the specifics of the metaphorical representation of the image of the English language in contemporary English-language linguodidactic discourse. For the first time, the set of conceptual metaphors that form the image of the English language in modern English-language linguodidactic discourse has been identified and systematically described, as well as their hierarchy and functional significance. Novelty is also determined by the application of a broad understanding of metaphor within the communicative-discursive paradigm to the investigation of this image, which is methodologically valuable. The research material comprises English-language works on linguodidactics: articles and textbooks for English language teachers. The study established that the metaphorical image of a foreign language in this discourse is primarily realized through four dominant conceptual source domains: JOURNEY/PATH, WAR/CONFLICT, BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES (LIFE/DEATH, GROWTH) and FOOD. The metaphorical model JOURNEY/PATH stands out in terms of functional significance and frequency, forming a positive and dynamic image of language acquisition. It was revealed that these models not only represent the understanding of the language but also perform strategic functions: constructing positive/negative evaluations of approaches, legitimizing innovations, mobilizing the teaching community, and lowering the affective barrier among learners.
|
Key words and phrases:
метафорическое моделирование
концептуальная метафора
преднамеренная метафора
метафорический образ английского языка
лингводидактический дискурс
metaphorical modelling
conceptual metaphor
deliberate metaphor
metaphorical image of the English language
linguodidactic discourse
|
|
Open
the whole article in PDF format. Free PDF-files viewer can be downloaded here.
|
|
References:
- Будаев Э. В., Чудинов А. П. Метафора в политическом интердискурсе. Екатеринбург: Уральский государственный педагогический университет, 2006.
- Будаев Э. В., Чудинов А. П. Современная российская политическая метафорология (2011-2020 гг.) // Филологический класс. 2020. Т. 25. № 2. https://doi.org/10.26170/FK20-02-09
- Лакофф Дж., Джонсон М. Метафоры, которыми мы живем. М.: Едиториал УРСС, 2004.
- Олянич А. В., Копылова В. В. Лингводидактический дискурс // Дискурс-Пи. 2015. Т. 12. № 3-4.
- Ричардс А. Философия риторики // Теория метафоры: сборник / пер. с англ., фр., нем., исп., польск. яз.; сост. Н. Д. Арутюнова. М.: Прогресс, 1990.
- Чудинов А. П. Политическая лингвистика. Изд-е 4-е. М.: Флинта; Наука, 2012.
- Abdul Malik N., Ya Shak M. S., Mohamad F., Joharry S. A. Corpus-based Studies of Metaphor: An Overview // Arab World English Journal. 2022. Vol. 13. No. 2. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol13no2.36
- Beréndi M., Csábi S., Kovecses Z. Using conceptual metaphors and metonymies in vocabulary teaching // Applications of Cognitive Linguistics. 2008. Vol. 6. № 65.
- Cameron L. Metaphor in Educational Discourse. L.: A&C Black, 2003.
- Deignan A. A Corpus Linguistic Perspective on the Relationship Between Metonymy and Metaphor // Style. 2005. Vol. 39. No. 1.
- Deignan A., Gabryś D., Solska A. Teaching English Metaphors Using Cross-Linguistic Awareness-Raising Activities // ELT Journal. 1997. Vol. 51. No. 4.
- Dörnyei Z. New Themes and Approaches in Second Language Motivation Research // Annual Review of Applied Linguistics. 2001. No. 21.
- Ellis R. Understanding Second Language Acquisition. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015.
- Kövecses Z. Conceptual Metaphor Theory: Some Criticisms and Alternative Proposals // Annual Review of Cognitive Linguistics. 2008. No. 6.
- Kövecses Z. Extended Conceptual Metaphor Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108859127
- Kövecses Z. Metaphor: A Practical Introduction. N. Y.: Oxford University Press, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047404503254051
- Lakoff G., Johnson M. Metaphors We Live By. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1980.
- Littlemore J., Low G. Metaphoric Competence, Second Language Learning, and Communicative Language Ability // Applied Linguistics. 2006. Vol. 27. No. 2.
- O’Reilly D., Yan L. Playing with second language metaphor: An exploration with advanced Chinese learners of English // Applied Linguistics. 2025. Vol. 46. No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amad067
- Steen G. Deliberate Metaphor Theory: Basic Assumptions, Main Tenets, Urgent Issues // Intercultural Pragmatics. 2017. Vol. 14. No. 1.
- Steen G. J. The Contemporary Theory of Metaphor – Now New and Improved! // Review of Cognitive Linguistics. 2011. Vol. 9. No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1075/ml.9.1.03ste
- Vahdani-Sanavi R., Demirkol T. Understanding Language Learners’ Perceptions of Teachers’ Roles in Online Education: A Metaphor Analysis // SAGE Open. 2024. Vol. 14. No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241226657
|
|
