Ontological Metaphors in Cognitive Linguistics: A Case Study of the Translation of Dreams from My Father
Keywords:
Conceptual metaphor, Cognitive linguistics, Lived experience, Meaning-making process, Human thoughtAbstract
Metaphor has long been a central topic in linguistics and literary studies; however, in modern approaches, its position is analyzed beyond the linguistic level and within the realm of human thought and cognition. The present study, based on the conceptual metaphor theory of Lakoff and Johnson (1980), examines the role of metaphor in representing human abstract experiences through language. The main objective of the research is to analyze the status of metaphor in the process of meaning-making and to demonstrate its relationship with lived human experiences. The research method is descriptive–analytical and has been conducted through a review of theoretical frameworks and prior studies. The findings indicate that metaphor is not only a linguistic tool for expressing abstract concepts but also a fundamental structure in the human cognitive system, playing a crucial role in shaping mental concepts and understanding the surrounding world. Therefore, this study emphasizes the necessity of considering metaphor as a cognitive and interdisciplinary mechanism in linguistic and humanities research.
Downloads
References
1. Oruji M, Rahmani M. Cognitive Linguistics and Conceptualization Patterns. Journal of Iranian Linguistics and Dialects. 2016;3(2):45-60.
2. Abrams MH. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 7th ed: Harcourt Brace College Publishers; 1999.
3. Lakoff G, Johnson M. Metaphors We Live By. 2nd ed: University of Chicago Press; 2003.
4. Kövecses Z. Metaphor: A Practical Introduction. 2nd ed: Oxford University Press; 2010.
5. Hashemi Z. Conceptual Metaphor in Cognitive Linguistics. Linguistics Journal. 2010;5(1):50-65.
6. Taheri M. Metaphor in Cognitive Linguistics: University of Tehran Press; 2011.
7. Sojoudi F. Applied Semiotics. Tehran: Elm Publications; 2014.
8. Jakobson R. Selected Writings: Word and Language: Mouton de Gruyter; 2001.
9. Reddy MJ. The conduit metaphor: A case of frame conflict in our language about language. In: Ortony A, editor. Metaphor and Thought: Cambridge University Press; 1979. p. 284-310.
10. Grady JE. Metaphor. In: Geeraerts D, Cuyckens H, editors. The Oxford Handbook of Cognitive Linguistics: Oxford University Press; 2007. p. 188-213.
11. Safdari M. A Study of the Conceptual Metaphors of the Self in Rumi's Masnavi. Journal of Mystical Studies. 2019;15(1):23-40.
12. Sasani F, Malekian M. The Conceptualization of Anger in the Persian Language. Journal of Persian Language and Literature. 2014;22(3):67-82.
13. Afrashi A. Conceptual Metaphors in the Domain of Shame with Reference to Classical Persian Poetry. Literary Criticism Journal. 2014;7(2):15-30.
14. Bayabani M. A Study of Orientational Metaphors and Image Schemas in Shamlu's Poetry. Literary Research Journal. 2012;9(4):110-25.
15. Amini R. A Comparison of the Lakoff-Johnson and Halliday Approaches to Metaphor: University of Tehran; 2004.
16. Obama B. Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance. 2nd ed: Three Rivers Press; 2004.
Downloads
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Jalil Ghiasi (Author); Mohammad Reza Oroji; Behzad Rahbar (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
