Structural Metaphor

Overview

A structural metaphor is a fundamental concept in cognitive linguistics, where one conceptual domain is understood in terms of another, specifically treating an abstract concept as a physical structure. This allows us to reason about the abstract using the properties of the concrete structure.

Key Concepts

Structural metaphors provide a framework for understanding abstract domains. For example, ARGUMENT IS WAR, where we talk about attacking positions, defending claims, and winning arguments. The structure of ‘war’ (its elements, actions, and outcomes) maps onto the abstract domain of ‘argument’.

Deep Dive

These metaphors are not merely linguistic devices but reflect how we structure our thought. The systematic mapping of elements from the source domain (e.g., war) to the target domain (e.g., argument) allows for coherent reasoning. We can infer new understandings by extending the metaphor, such as ‘exploring’ an argument’s ‘terrain’ or ‘building’ a case.

Applications

Structural metaphors are prevalent in everyday language, influencing our understanding of emotions, time, and relationships. We might say ‘a strong relationship‘ or ‘a broken promise‘, using physical structural concepts to frame abstract ones.

Challenges & Misconceptions

A common misconception is that these are just colorful language. However, they actively shape our perception and can limit or expand our understanding. For instance, focusing solely on the ‘war’ aspect of arguments might hinder collaborative problem-solving.

FAQs

What is a classic example of a structural metaphor?

TIME IS MONEY is a classic example. We ‘spend’ time, ‘waste’ time, ‘save’ time, and ‘invest’ time, treating time as a quantifiable resource that can be managed like currency.

How do structural metaphors differ from orientational metaphors?

Orientational metaphors involve spatial relationships (e.g., HAPPY IS UP), while structural metaphors conceptualize an entire domain as a structured entity.