Metaphor

Main thing

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another. It is a powerful tool in language that allows us to understand and experience one thing in terms of another, often more familiar or concrete, thing. Metaphors are closely related to analogies, as both involve comparing two different things to highlight their similarities. However, while analogies typically explain the comparison directly, metaphors make the comparison implicitly.The main features of metaphors are:

1. They compare two unlike things: Metaphors draw a comparison between two things that are not typically associated with each other. For example, "Life is a roller coaster" compares the abstract concept of life to a concrete amusement park ride.

2. The comparison is stated directly without using "like" or "as": Unlike similes, which use "like" or "as" to make a comparison (e.g., "She is as busy as a bee"), metaphors state the comparison directly (e.g., "She is a busy bee").

3. They are used to suggest a resemblance or analogy between these things: Metaphors highlight the similarities between the two things being compared. For instance, when we say "Time is money," we are suggesting that time is a valuable resource that should be used wisely, just like money.

4. They are not meant to be understood literally: Metaphors are figurative, not literal. When someone says "My brother is a night owl," they don't mean that their brother is actually a nocturnal bird. Instead, they mean that he tends to stay up late at night.

5. They are used for rhetorical effect, to explain complex ideas, or to create vivid imagery: Metaphors serve various purposes in language. They can be used to persuade or argue a point (e.g., "His words were a dagger to my heart"), to make abstract ideas more understandable (e.g., "The atom is a miniature solar system"), or to paint a vivid picture in the reader's or listener's mind (e.g., "The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas").

Terms

• Figurative language – words or expressions that go beyond their literal meaning. Example: "The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas."

• Tenor – the subject of the metaphor, or the thing being described. Example: In "The world is a stage," the tenor is "the world."

• Vehicle – the thing to which the tenor is compared. Example: In "The world is a stage," the vehicle is "a stage."

• Ground – the basis for the comparison, or the shared characteristics between the tenor and the vehicle. Example: In "The world is a stage," the ground is that both involve people playing various roles.

• Dead metaphor – a metaphor that has become so common that its figurative meaning is no longer recognized. Example: "The leg of the table."

An analogy

Metaphors are like bridges that connect two different islands of meaning. Just as a bridge allows you to cross from one piece of land to another, a metaphor carries you from the literal meaning of a word or phrase to a figurative one. For example, when we say "Time is money," we are using a metaphor to bridge the concept of time with the concept of money, suggesting that time is a valuable resource that should not be wasted.

A main misconception

One common misconception about metaphors is that they are mere decorations or embellishments in language. However, metaphors are fundamental to how we think and communicate. They shape our understanding of abstract concepts by relating them to more concrete, familiar experiences. For instance, when we say "Love is a journey," we are not just being poetic; we are using a metaphor to structure our understanding of love in terms of a journey, with all its ups and downs, twists and turns.

The history

1. Prehistoric times (before 3500 BC) - Metaphorical thinking is believed to have emerged with the development of human language and symbolic thought.

2. Classical antiquity (8th century BC - 5th century AD) - Ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle (384-322 BC) studied metaphors as a rhetorical device and a tool for persuasion. The Greek poet Homer (8th century BC) used extensive metaphors in his epic poems "Iliad" and "Odyssey."

3. Middle Ages (5th century - 15th century) and Renaissance (14th century - 17th century) - Metaphors were widely used in literature, poetry, and religious texts to convey spiritual and moral truths.

4. 20th century (1901 - 2000) - Linguists and cognitive scientists like George Lakoff and Mark Johnson pioneered the study of metaphor as a fundamental aspect of human cognition and language.

"Metaphor is pervasive in everyday life, not just in language but in thought and action." - George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, influential cognitive linguists who revolutionized the study of metaphor with their book "Metaphors We Live By" (1980).

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Use metaphors to simplify complex ideas. If you're trying to explain a complicated scientific concept, you might say, "The brain is like a computer." This metaphor helps people understand the brain's functions in terms of a more familiar device.

2. Use metaphors to add emotional impact to your writing or speech. Instead of saying, "She was very angry," you could say, "She was a volcano ready to erupt." This metaphor conveys the intensity and danger of her anger more vividly.

3. Use metaphors to persuade or motivate. A coach might tell their team, "This game is a battle, and we are warriors." This metaphor frames the game in terms of a fight, encouraging the players to be brave and aggressive.

Interesting facts

• The word "metaphor" itself is a metaphor. It comes from the Greek words "meta" (beyond) and "pherein" (to carry), suggesting that a metaphor "carries" meaning from one concept to another.

• Some researchers believe that metaphors are not just linguistic expressions but are actually hardwired into our brains. They argue that we think metaphorically before we speak metaphorically.

• Metaphors are found in all languages and cultures, but the specific metaphors used can vary widely. For example, in English, we say "time is money," but in Spanish, they say "el tiempo es oro" (time is gold).

• Studies have shown that using metaphors can make your message more memorable and persuasive. People are more likely to remember and be influenced by figurative language than by literal statements.

• Metaphors are not only used in literature and everyday speech but also play a crucial role in fields like science, philosophy, and politics. For instance, the computer metaphor has shaped our understanding of the human mind in cognitive science.