具体描述
Breaking away from the traditional "neo-Aristotelian" view of metaphor, Liselotte Gumpel's ambitious study offers a new, "non-Aristotelian" approach based on the phenomenological semantics of Roman Ingarden and the semiotics of Charles S. Peirce. The author seeks to grasp the meaning of metaphor through an exhaustive exploration of meaning in language, from its acquisition by young speakers to its repeated origination in sound when spoken and in the visual sign when written. She identifies the fundamental semantic operations that differentiate literal from literary use of language. Next, metaphor is examined in all of its semantic idiosyncrasies. Gumpel's theory culminates in the development of a functional or structural metaphor that can neither disappear nor "die." Applying the theory, Gumpel presents several textual analyses, relating the categories of argument, dicent and rheme to the use of metaphor by Brecht, Dickinson, and Celan. A final section provides an incisive critique of theories of metaphor from Aristotle to the present.
Metaphor Reexamined: A Deep Dive into the Cognitive and Cultural Underpinnings of Figurative Language Introduction Metaphor, a cornerstone of human communication and thought, has long captivated philosophers, linguists, psychologists, and literary critics. Far from being a mere decorative flourish, metaphor is now widely understood as a fundamental cognitive mechanism that shapes our understanding of the world, influences our reasoning, and drives our creative expression. Metaphor Reexamined embarks on an extensive exploration of this pervasive phenomenon, delving into its intricate workings, its profound implications, and its ubiquitous presence across diverse cultural landscapes and intellectual disciplines. This book offers a comprehensive and nuanced perspective, moving beyond superficial definitions to uncover the deep-seated cognitive processes and cultural forces that give rise to and sustain metaphorical thought. Part I: The Cognitive Architecture of Metaphor The initial section of Metaphor Reexamined lays the groundwork by scrutinizing the cognitive foundations of metaphor. It begins by challenging traditional views that relegated metaphor to the realm of poetic embellishment, presenting instead a robust argument for its status as a primary mode of conceptualization. Drawing on cutting-edge research in cognitive science, neuroscience, and developmental psychology, the book meticulously details how our brains process and generate metaphors. We examine the role of abstract conceptual systems in mapping source domain knowledge onto target domains, thereby facilitating understanding of complex or unfamiliar concepts through familiar ones. This part delves into the intricate interplay between perception, emotion, and cognition in metaphorical understanding. It explores how embodied experiences, such as physical interactions with the environment, contribute to the formation of abstract metaphorical concepts. For instance, the metaphorical understanding of "up" as "good" and "down" as "bad" is rooted in the physiological experience of standing upright versus falling. The book further investigates the neural correlates of metaphorical processing, highlighting the distributed networks in the brain that are activated during metaphorical interpretation and production. Metaphor Reexamined critically analyzes various theories of metaphor, from Gricean implicature and Lakoff and Johnson's conceptual metaphor theory to more recent developments in computational linguistics and embodied cognition. Each theory is presented with its strengths and limitations, providing the reader with a rich tapestry of theoretical frameworks through which to understand metaphor. The book emphasizes the dynamic and generative nature of metaphor, demonstrating how new metaphors are constantly being created and existing ones evolve through usage and cultural shifts. Part II: Metaphor Across the Disciplines Having established the cognitive underpinnings, Metaphor Reexamined then broadens its scope to examine the pervasive influence of metaphor across a multitude of academic and practical domains. This section showcases how metaphor is not confined to literature or everyday conversation, but actively shapes our understanding and practice within science, philosophy, politics, and economics. In the realm of science, the book explores how metaphors serve as essential tools for discovery and explanation. From the "atom as a miniature solar system" to "genes as blueprints," metaphors have enabled scientists to conceptualize abstract and invisible phenomena, guiding theoretical development and experimental design. We analyze the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on metaphors in scientific inquiry, discussing instances where they may constrain or misrepresent scientific understanding. The philosophical implications of metaphor are also rigorously addressed. The book discusses how metaphor has been employed to grapple with fundamental questions of existence, consciousness, and knowledge. It examines how philosophical arguments are often constructed and conveyed through metaphorical language, and how the very nature of philosophical inquiry can be seen as a metaphorical project of re-framing our understanding of reality. The political landscape, too, is deeply intertwined with metaphor. Metaphor Reexamined investigates how political discourse relies heavily on metaphorical framing to persuade, mobilize, and shape public opinion. Concepts like "the war on drugs" or "building bridges" are not merely illustrative; they actively construct the reality they describe, influencing policy decisions and societal attitudes. The book provides case studies of significant political metaphors and analyzes their persuasive power and their potential for manipulation. In economics, metaphors such as "the invisible hand" or "economic bubbles" are not simply descriptive but actively influence economic models, predictions, and policy interventions. The book examines how these metaphorical constructs can both illuminate and obscure complex economic realities, and how their underlying assumptions can have significant real-world consequences. Part III: The Cultural Tapestry of Metaphor Metaphor Reexamined then turns its attention to the crucial role of culture in shaping and being shaped by metaphor. This section argues that while many fundamental metaphorical mappings may be universal, the specific manifestations and interpretations of metaphors are deeply embedded in cultural contexts, historical experiences, and social values. The book explores how different cultures conceptualize shared experiences through distinct metaphorical systems. For example, the way time is understood and discussed can vary significantly across cultures, reflected in their distinct temporal metaphors. We examine cross-cultural communication challenges arising from differing metaphorical assumptions and highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity when analyzing or employing metaphors in a globalized world. This part also delves into the historical evolution of metaphors. It traces how dominant metaphors within a society change over time, reflecting shifts in social norms, technological advancements, and philosophical paradigms. The book demonstrates how a diachronic analysis of metaphors can offer valuable insights into the cultural and intellectual history of a civilization. Furthermore, Metaphor Reexamined investigates the relationship between metaphor, power, and ideology. It analyzes how dominant metaphors can serve to legitimize existing power structures, reinforce social hierarchies, and shape collective identities. The book encourages critical engagement with the metaphors we encounter, urging readers to question their underlying assumptions and to recognize their potential to both liberate and constrain our thinking. Part IV: Metaphor in Creative and Applied Contexts The concluding section of Metaphor Reexamined focuses on the creative and applied dimensions of metaphor, showcasing its vital role in artistic expression, language acquisition, and therapeutic interventions. In literature and the arts, metaphor is a primary tool for aesthetic innovation, emotional resonance, and thematic depth. The book analyzes how poets, novelists, playwrights, and visual artists utilize metaphor to evoke complex emotions, create vivid imagery, and invite new interpretations of human experience. We explore the relationship between literary metaphor and cognitive metaphor, demonstrating how artistic creations can tap into and expand our existing metaphorical understanding. The role of metaphor in language acquisition, particularly for children and second language learners, is also a significant focus. Metaphor Reexamined explains how children naturally acquire and employ metaphors as they develop their linguistic and cognitive abilities, and how understanding and teaching metaphors is crucial for effective language learning. Finally, the book explores the therapeutic potential of metaphor. It examines how therapists utilize metaphors to help individuals understand their own experiences, reframe challenging situations, and foster personal growth. The book highlights the power of narrative and metaphorical storytelling in therapeutic contexts, demonstrating how carefully chosen metaphors can facilitate insight, promote healing, and empower individuals to navigate life's complexities. Conclusion Metaphor Reexamined offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and deeply insightful exploration of metaphor. By weaving together insights from cognitive science, linguistics, philosophy, cultural studies, and the arts, this book provides readers with a profound understanding of metaphor's fundamental role in human thought, communication, and creativity. It is an essential resource for anyone seeking to unravel the intricate workings of language, explore the nuances of human cognition, and appreciate the profound influence of figurative language on our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This work challenges readers to look beyond the surface of language, to engage critically with the metaphors that shape their lives, and to recognize the boundless potential of metaphor to illuminate, inspire, and transform.
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