Rationale
Metaphors are essential stylistic devices used in everyday life to express thoughts and beliefs naturally and effortlessly They are pervasive in daily communication, significantly shaping our perception and understanding of the world around us A prime example of the powerful influence of metaphors is the myth of Oedipus, as discussed in Küveçsès's (2010) book, illustrating how metaphors play a crucial role in shaping cultural narratives and perception.
Oedipus arrives in Thebes and encounters the deadly Sphinx, who has been devouring travelers by posing a riddle The Sphinx's famous riddle asks which creature walks on four legs in the morning, two at midday, and three in the evening; Oedipus quickly answers: "Man," explaining that humans crawl as babies, walk upright in adulthood, and use a cane in old age His correct answer defeats the Sphinx, leading her to kill herself As a result, Oedipus becomes the king of Thebes, marking a pivotal moment in the myth.
Oedipus successfully solves the riddle by leveraging the power of conceptual metaphors Specifically, two metaphors are used: "Life of human beings is a day" and "Human life is a journey." The first metaphor conceptualizes life as a day, with morning representing infancy, midday symbolizing maturity, and evening indicating old age The second metaphor associates feet with the concept of a journey, which ultimately provides the solution to the riddle.
Conceptual metaphors shape our daily communication and literature, attracting significant attention from linguists and scholars Since 1980, Lakoff and Johnson's groundbreaking work "Metaphors We Live By" revolutionized the study of conceptual metaphors within cognitive linguistics, emphasizing their importance in understanding mental processes and knowledge Recent contrastive studies between English and Vietnamese reveal how these metaphors highlight both similarities and differences across languages, enhancing our comprehension of how concepts are cognitively represented worldwide.
Metaphors play a vital role in daily communication and information dissemination, providing simple explanations for complex concepts Journalists often utilize metaphors to capture readers’ interest and evoke curiosity The digital revolution has made breaking news instantly accessible worldwide through social media and online platforms, exemplified by the rapid reporting of events like the 2020 incident involving police violence However, this rapid dissemination also highlights the alarming rise of social violence—ranging from school and domestic violence to racial violence—which negatively impacts societal development and individual well-being Such acts of violence, including hitting, stabbing, shooting, and killing, occur daily across the globe, making social violence a critical societal concern Effectively employing metaphors in news reports about social violence is essential for accurately conveying information and engaging readers Moreover, understanding the differences between English and Vietnamese metaphors—often used by journalists to attract attention—can enhance comprehension and communication in news reporting.
To the best of my knowledge, no prior research has explored conceptual metaphors in newspapers concerning social violence, despite numerous studies on metaphor use in political discourse, climate change, and topics like food, the moon, and fire Different cultural backgrounds may lead to diverse cognitive interpretations of social phenomena, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural analysis This study aims to identify and compare the conceptual metaphors employed in English and Vietnamese online newspapers when discussing social violence, using insights from cognitive linguistics.
Aim and Objectives
This thesis aims to identify conceptual metaphors in English and Vietnamese online news discourse on social violence through the framework of cognitive semantics developed by Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003) and Kovecses (2002, 2010) It explores how these metaphors shape the public understanding of social issues in digital news media Additionally, the study examines the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese conceptual metaphors related to social value in online news sources The research provides insights into cross-cultural communication and the role of metaphor in conveying social messages across languages.
With the aims stated above, the detailed objectives have been set as follows:
This study aims to analyze and classify the conceptual metaphors present in English and Vietnamese electronic journalistic texts on social violence, highlighting how these metaphors shape public understanding of such issues It further investigates the similarities and differences in metaphor usage between the bilingual data, providing insights into cultural and linguistic influences on media representations of social violence Understanding these metaphorical patterns enhances comprehension of how social violence is communicated across languages, supporting more effective cross-cultural media analysis and translation strategies.
Research questions
To achieve the above aims and objectives of the study, the following questions have been raised and answered:
(1) What types of conceptual metaphors are employed in English and
Vietnamese online articles on social violence?
(2) What are the similarities and differences between these conceptual metaphors in English and Vietnamese online articles on social violence?
Scope of the study
This study examines three types of conceptual metaphors—structural, orientational, and ontological—in English and Vietnamese online articles discussing social violence, analyzing their semantic features It explores the similarities, differences, and frequency of these metaphors across both languages, providing insights into how social violence is conceptualized in different cultural contexts Due to time constraints, the analysis focuses solely on social violence, excluding other forms such as sexual and economic violence.
Significance of the study
Metaphors serve not only as figures of speech in literature and academic works but also as essential tools for expressing an author's thoughts, experiences, and perceptions of natural, social, and real-world phenomena They are deeply embedded in everyday language, thought, and actions, emphasizing their significance in communication (Black et al., 1981) According to Ungerer and Schmid (1996), “everyday language is rife with metaphorical expressions,” highlighting the pervasive presence of metaphors in daily discourse Mastering the metaphors used in newspapers is crucial for comprehending the underlying meaning of the texts This study aims to deepen understanding of conceptual metaphors and identify their use in newspaper articles on social violence, revealing how they reflect human cognition related to this topic Additionally, the research compares the use of conceptual metaphors between English and Vietnamese cultures, shedding light on cultural similarities and differences in metaphorical expressions within this discourse.
Organization of the study
The study consists of five chapters as follows:
This study explores the significance of metaphors and conceptual metaphors, highlighting their role in enriching language understanding It aims to compare the use of conceptual metaphors between English and Vietnamese, addressing a notable knowledge gap in cross-linguistic metaphor research The research questions are designed to align with these objectives, guiding the investigation The introduction emphasizes the study’s importance and outlines its structure, providing a clear framework for understanding how metaphors function across different languages.
Chapter 2, Literature Review and Theoretical Background, introduces foundational concepts of cognitive linguistics grounded in the influential frameworks of Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003), emphasizing the importance of metaphor and conceptual mapping in language understanding This section explores key theories that underpin cognitive linguistics, providing essential insights into how human cognition shapes language It also reviews relevant research studies to contextualize the theoretical approaches within current scholarly discourse, offering a comprehensive understanding necessary for further exploration of the subject.
This study explores core concepts of cognitive semantics and conceptual metaphor theory, including key terms, categories, and metaphorical expressions that illustrate source and target domains It emphasizes distinguishing conceptual metaphors from metonymies to facilitate accurate identification The research focuses on three primary types of conceptual metaphors: structural, orientational, and ontological metaphors Additionally, the study examines the features of newspaper language and provides a literature review of previous research on conceptual metaphors, highlighting how different scholars have categorized contrastive theses within this framework.
Chapter 3, Methods and Procedures, outlines the key research methods and procedures used in this study, detailing the specific plans for conducting the research This contrastive study investigates the conceptual metaphors in online news reports on social violence in both English and Vietnamese A combination of quantitative, qualitative, descriptive, and comparative methods is employed to analyze how conceptual metaphors function across the two languages The chapter also justifies the selection of source data, providing detailed descriptions of samples, data collection, and analysis processes Data were collected from authentic web pages, comprising 90 English and 86 Vietnamese online news reports, each exceeding 47,000 words To ensure the research's validity and reliability, quality control measures are thoroughly integrated into the methodology.
Chapter 4, Findings and Discussion, is devoted to present the result of data analysis Findings of the study led by data presentation, interpretation, and discussion, as well as the conclusion are placed in this chapter The frequency of occurrence, similarities and differences between these conceptual metaphors are also intensively discussed The typical conceptual metaphors on the topics of social violence are selected to present in the finding To demonstrate and summarize the finding, we employ tables and figures with explanations
Chapter 5, Conclusions, summarizes what has been learned from the study containing the major findings Although Lakoff and Johnson (1980,
2003) and others show the pervasiveness of metaphors in human understanding, not many conceptual metaphors were found in this thesis’s corpora Besides, the implications point out the contributions to the field of cognitive semantics Next, the limitations follow, resulting in the open avenues for further studies Then, the bibliography and appendices are appended at the end of the thesis.
Summary
Violence remains a major social issue that captures widespread community attention Writers often use metaphors and conceptual metaphors to create powerful imagery and vividly depict the urgent problems related to social violence However, understanding these metaphors can be challenging without adequate background knowledge, making it essential to interpret them carefully to fully grasp the severity of violence in society.
Introduction to cognitive semantics
Cognitive linguistics is a powerful approach that explores how the mind structures and retains fundamental concepts related to language It emphasizes the relationship between language and cognition, helping us understand how linguistic representations are stored and processed in the human mind Due to its significance in everyday communication and thought processes, cognitive linguistics has become an influential framework across various fields such as cognitive science, social science, and applied linguistics (Evans, 2019a).
Cognitive Linguistics emerged in the late 1970s with pioneering contributions from George Lakoff, Mark Johnson, Ronald W Langacker, and Leonard Talmy This linguistic approach emphasizes understanding how language encodes meaning and the nature of linguistic denotation Cognitive Semantics stems from Cognitive Linguistics, focusing on the conceptual basis of meaning and how cognitive processes shape language understanding, making it a vital part of the broader Cognitive Linguistics movement.
Cognitive semantics plays a crucial role in organizing, processing, and conveying information effectively, serving as a powerful tool in linguistic analysis (Geeraerts & Cuyckens, 2007) Several theories have emerged within cognitive semantics, with linguists developing distinct approaches to understand language features and linguistic phenomena (Lyons, 1995) Notably, Lakoff and Johnson's groundbreaking work in 1980 and 2003 laid the foundation for modern cognitive linguistics, emphasizing its significance as a core aspect of human cognition Their contributions have inspired ongoing research in cognitive linguistics for over three decades, advancing our understanding of language and thought.
Since notable works on metaphor and metonymy of Lakoff (1981) and Lakoff (1987) was launched, Lakoff has become the leading cognitivist (cited from About Cognitive Linguistics of International Cognitive Linguistics
George Lakoff initially followed Noam Chomsky's theories but later became a prominent critic of Transformational Generative Grammar While generative grammarians focus on syntactic knowledge, cognitive linguists argue that natural language is closely linked to our understanding of the world through mutual interaction This perspective emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes in language understanding, contrasting with the tradition of purely structural grammar.
Building on Lakoff and Johnson’s theory, Langacker (1988) developed Space Grammar and Cognitive Grammar, emphasizing the role of spatial cognition in language By the 1980s, influenced by Oswald Ducrot’s ideas, Fauconnier (1994) introduced Mental Spaces theory, integrating Langacker’s Cognitive Grammar and Lakoff’s Concept of Metaphor to explain cognitive processes in language Talmy (1985, 1988) studied linguistic imaging systems, identifying cognition as a core component of semantics Overall, these theories highlight the intrinsic connection between language and human cognition Modern cognitive linguistics, encompassing cognitive grammar and cognitive semantics, is believed to have derived from generative grammar, reflecting its foundational role in understanding language’s cognitive basis.
According to Ungerer and Schmid (1996), cognitive linguistics encompasses three main approaches: the experiential view, prominence view, and attentional view The experiential view primarily focuses on how language users describe their experiences, reflecting their conceptualization of the world around them It posits that accumulated experiences, gained through daily communication, shape the way we understand and produce language For instance, the word "car" is defined as a four-wheel motor vehicle; when we encounter something resembling a car, we quickly visualize a typical object with a box-like shape, doors, windows, steering wheel, engine, and seats This approach illustrates how our mental representations of objects and concepts are rooted in our experiential knowledge.
Our car has broken down
Our car does not simply break down like a chair collapsing into pieces, but understanding vehicle issues can be challenging without adequate automotive vocabulary By relating to familiar experiences such as furniture collapsing, we can more easily grasp what happens when a car’s engine suddenly stops working Conveying complex mechanical problems becomes easier when we draw on shared, concrete-world examples, making technical ideas more accessible and understandable.
Most linguists within cognitive linguistics agree that linguistic knowledge reflects the human mental world and cognition Cognitive linguistics emphasizes that our concepts are grounded in personal experience, culture, and physical interaction As Lemmens (2015) states, "Cognitive linguistics takes an experiential view on conceptualization and meaning, observing that many of our concepts are grounded in our experience, cultural and physical." This thesis adopts the experiential framework outlined by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), highlighting the importance of bodily experience in shaping language and thought.
Lý Toàn Thắng and Trần Văn Cơ are pioneering figures in Vietnam for introducing cognitive linguistics to the field of Vietnamese linguistics They have highlighted fundamental aspects of cognitive linguistics, contrasting them with traditional views on metaphors Through their books published from 2005 to 2011, they provide comprehensive overviews of cognitive linguistics, bringing global insights to Vietnamese readers and illuminating innovative concepts in the discipline Additionally, Trần Văn Cơ emphasizes the importance of cultural coherence in shaping the relationship between language and thought, enriching the understanding of cognitive linguistics within Vietnam.
2.1.1 Conceptual metaphor theory 2.1.1.1 Overview of conceptual metaphors
Metaphors are fundamental rhetorical devices in literature that enable writers to effectively convey their messages to the audience According to Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003), metaphors are more than just linguistic ornaments; they are essential cognitive tools that reflect how we think and explain complex concepts The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (8th edition) defines metaphor as a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true but helps illustrate a particular idea By understanding these different definitions, it is clear that metaphors play a critical role in enriching language and enhancing communication.
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes someone or something by comparing it to another, different thing, to highlight shared qualities and create a more impactful image It is used to convey deeper meaning and add vividness to descriptions, making language more expressive and engaging Incorporating metaphors in writing enhances clarity and emotional resonance, which can improve SEO by increasing user engagement and comprehension.
Similarly, Lakoff and Johnson (1980) define metaphors as
“understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another” (p 5)
A conceptual metaphor helps us better understand complex or abstract ideas by relating them to more concrete or familiar concepts According to Lakoff (1987) and Johnson (1987), the use of conceptual metaphors enables us to reason about abstract concepts more effectively This cognitive tool bridges the gap between abstract thinking and everyday experiences, making difficult ideas more accessible and understandable.
Conceptual metaphors manifest in language through metaphorical linguistic expressions, which include lexical items and phrases derived from source domains (Kövecses, 2010) According to Ungerer and Schmid (1996), everyday language is filled with metaphorical expressions that reflect underlying conceptual metaphors While conceptual metaphors themselves are rarely used directly in sentences, their associated expressions serve to facilitate understanding of the target domain Lakoff and Johnson (2003) emphasize that metaphorical expressions play a crucial role in conveying complex conceptual ideas in communication.
Metaphorical expressions in language are systematically connected to underlying conceptual metaphors, allowing us to study the nature of these metaphors and gain insights into how they shape our understanding of various activities By analyzing metaphorical language, we can better understand the conceptual structures that influence our thinking and communication This approach provides valuable insights into the metaphorical nature of human cognition and how it reflects our experience of the world.
The conceptual metaphor "TIME IS MONEY" (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980) illustrates how we conceptualize time as a valuable resource that influences our actions and understanding This metaphor shapes the way we interpret language about time, as seen in expressions like "You're wasting my time," where time is treated as a commodity that can be spent or squandered Such metaphorical language demonstrates how our cognition of time is deeply intertwined with economic concepts, influencing everyday communication and perception Understanding this metaphor is essential for analyzing how language reflects and reinforces cultural attitudes towards time management and its value.
This gadget will save you hours
I don't have the time to give you
How do you spend your time these days?
That flat tire cost me an hour
I've invested a lot of time in her
I don't have enough time to spare for that
You're running out of time
You need to budget your time
Put aside some time for ping pong
Is that worth your while? luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
Do you have much time left?
He's living on borrowed time
You don't use your time profitably
I lost a lot of time when I got sick
Thank you for your time
The online newspapers on social violence
2.3.1 Definition of violence and social violence
Violence manifests in various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, and neglect or deprivation According to the World Health Organization, violence is categorized into self-directed, interpersonal, and collective violence Self-directed violence involves actions where the perpetrator is also the victim, such as self-abuse or suicide Interpersonal violence occurs between individuals and encompasses family violence, child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, as well as community violence involving both acquaintances and strangers, like youth violence and assaults Collective violence involves large groups acting violently due to social, political, or economic motives The WHO’s 2002 World Report on Violence and Health summarizes violence as a complex phenomenon affecting individuals and society worldwide.
Violence involves the deliberate use of physical force or power, whether threatened or actual, directed against oneself, others, or groups It often leads to or has a high likelihood of causing injury, death, psychological trauma, developmental issues, or deprivation Understanding the causes and impacts of violence is essential for promoting safety and mental health in communities.
According to the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development (2012), social violence refers to acts committed by individuals or communities that have significant social impacts This violence manifests in various forms worldwide, including armed conflicts, gang violence, parent-to-child physical aggression such as corporal punishment, terrorism, forced displacement, and segregation Direct violence occurs when an individual is the victim of violence, whereas indirect violence involves witnessing or hearing about violence inflicted upon others.
Social violence is defined as any form of violence perpetrated by individuals or communities that involves threatening, harming, or killing others through physical force or exertion of power, ultimately impacting mental and physical health It has a significant negative social impact, causing harm not only to victims but also to the cohesion of society Notably, the data excludes sexual and economic violence.
Online newspapers are digital versions of traditional print newspapers accessible via the Internet, offering convenient and instant access to news content They include a wide range of reputable sources both locally and globally, making them a popular choice for readers worldwide The shift to online newspapers has increased due to their accessibility and the widespread availability of digital technology.
Summary
Chapter 2 reviews the theories of conceptual metaphors, highlighting Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980, 2003) idea that metaphors serve as fundamental structures for understanding abstract or unfamiliar domains by relating them to familiar, concrete source domains Conceptual metaphors, rooted in cognitive linguistics, reveal how humans think, reason, and comprehend their environment through mental mappings between conceptual domains Since human cognition is largely grounded in physical and life experiences, conceptual metaphors help explain abstract concepts based on these experiential foundations This shift in metaphor research marks a significant evolution in understanding cognitive processes Notably, there is a research gap regarding the application of conceptual metaphors to social violence, as most existing studies focus on other fields This study aims to address this gap by exploring the use of conceptual metaphors, specifically structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors, in the context of social violence.
Research designs
This research provides a comprehensive literature review and theoretical background on conceptual metaphors from a cognitive perspective It identifies three types of conceptual metaphors and analyzes data to compare their usage in English and Vietnamese online articles on social violence The study aims to uncover similarities and differences in metaphorical language across these languages, contributing to our understanding of cultural influences on metaphor use in online media.
Research methods
This study explores the similarities and differences in conceptual metaphors related to social violence in English and Vietnamese online newspapers It employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis for in-depth understanding of context and phenomena with quantitative analysis to examine the types and frequency of metaphors used According to O’Halloran (2010), integrating qualitative and quantitative methods enhances the comprehensiveness of metaphor analysis in corpus linguistics.
“quantitative data mined from a corpus can usefully ground qualitative luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si analysis”
In addition to the primary analysis methods, contrastive and comparative techniques were utilized to examine English and Vietnamese online articles on social violence These approaches helped illuminate the linguistic and cultural differences, providing deeper insights into how social violence is portrayed across cultures By analyzing these comparisons, we can better understand the influence of cultural values on media representations of social issues This comprehensive approach enhances the clarity of research findings and enriches cross-cultural understanding.
Research procedures
This thesis was conducted through a systematic process starting with selecting a research topic by identifying gaps in previous studies We then collected English and Vietnamese electronic newspaper articles on social violence, focusing on their type, publication time, and length Using cognitive linguistic theories and analyzing the metaphorical features of the samples, we examined the conceptual metaphors present in both languages to identify similarities and differences Finally, we summarized key findings, discussed practical implications, and acknowledged the limitations of the study.
Data collection and data analysis
This study analyzes a total of 176 online reports on social violence, comprising 90 articles in English and 86 in Vietnamese All reports were authored by different journalists writing in their native languages, ensuring diverse perspectives The selected articles target a general audience and focus specifically on social violence issues Their lengths range from approximately 400 words upwards, providing comprehensive coverage of incidents and themes related to social violence.
This study analyzed social violence by collecting data from official English and Vietnamese web sources Articles were carefully selected from four reputable English newspapers—The New York Times, The Guardian, USA Today, and BBC—and four leading Vietnamese newspapers—Dân Trí, Tuổi Trẻ, Lao Động, and Công An Nhân Dân The research ensures a comprehensive understanding of the topic through reliable and diverse media sources.
Figure 3: Eight Online Articles in English and Vietnamese
The study analyzed social violence-related daily newspaper articles in both English and Vietnamese, published between January 2018 and August 2020, totaling 47,594 English words and 47,338 Vietnamese words Titles containing metaphors, primarily used for rhetorical rather than cognitive purposes, were excluded to focus on metaphorical language relevant to cognitive analysis The data were imported into Microsoft Office Word and Excel for detailed examination.
This study is based on the theoretical framework of Lakoff and Johnson
This study analyzes data collected from online publications on social violence, categorizing the conceptual metaphors into three types: structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors, as outlined by Kovecses (2002, 2010) The frequency of each metaphor type was systematically organized into detailed tables and graphs, providing clear visualizations of their prevalence These findings are discussed with comprehensive explanations to elucidate how different metaphors shape the understanding of social violence.
This study analyzed 235 conceptual metaphors in English and 161 in Vietnamese through a four-step process, including recognizing metaphorical expressions, establishing conceptual metaphors based on source and target domains, classifying them according to Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) framework into structural, orientational, and ontological metaphors, and selecting prominent metaphors for detailed analysis The research compared the metaphors in both languages to identify similarities and differences in their types and frequencies, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide comprehensive insights into cross-linguistic conceptual metaphor use.
In the collected data, linguistic expressions within example sentences or phrases were italicized, with all conceptual metaphors capitalized for emphasis The linguistic expressions were systematically numbered, such as V1 for the first Vietnamese expression and E2 for the second English expression For example, a typical sample includes expressions like V1 and E2, illustrating how these linguistic elements are highlighted to analyze metaphorical language effectively.
That person shattered my heart (E193) luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
Linguistic expression: shattered my heart Conceptual metaphor: EMOTIONAL HARM IS PHYSICAL DAMAGE The number of linguistics expression: E193
This study explores Vietnamese conceptual metaphors by providing accurate translations that reflect cultural and linguistic characteristics The findings are thoroughly analyzed and presented through comprehensive tables and figures, offering clear insights into metaphor usage An appendix is included at the end to support the research, with each online article represented as EA (English Article) to facilitate analysis and comparison.
Article) and VA (Vietnamese Article).
Validity and reliability
This study ensures validity and reliability by employing the most appropriate and trustworthy research methods The theoretical framework is grounded in renowned works by leading scholars in cognitive linguistics, including Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003), as well as Kűvecses, providing a solid foundation for the analysis.
This study employs a contrastive approach, enhancing the validity and reliability of the comparison through data collection in both English and Vietnamese Carefully selected online articles from reputable websites ensure the materials meet strict criteria for content quality and appropriate length.
This study validates data by analyzing conceptual metaphors through a three-phase process First, the text was examined to identify conceptual metaphors, utilizing both Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary and Vietnamese-English Dictionary to ensure lexical clarity across English and Vietnamese Second, the identified metaphors were categorized for better understanding Finally, explanations were added to clarify each metaphor, with comparisons made between English and Vietnamese; metaphors with the same denotation or connotation were considered as resemblance, while those with differing meanings or absence in the other language were regarded as differences The discussion was based solely on these findings before drawing any conclusions, ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive analysis of cross-linguistic conceptual metaphors for SEO-optimized content.
Summary
This chapter outlines the research methodology, including the research design, methods, and procedures used in the study It provides a comprehensive description of data collection and analysis processes, along with an explanation of the research procedures Additionally, the chapter addresses the measures taken to ensure the validity and reliability of the study The subsequent chapter will present and discuss the research findings in detail.
Metaphor in English newspapers on social violence
After analyzing the data, 235 conceptual metaphors have been known in
90 English electronic discourses on social violence The following figure interprets the frequent occurrence of three different categories of conceptual metaphors
Table 4.1 The Occurrences and Percentages of Conceptual Metaphors in English
Types of conceptual metaphors Occurrences Percentages
Analysis of 90 English online articles reveals that ontological metaphors are the most prevalent, constituting 44.7% of all metaphor types Orientational metaphors follow closely behind, making up 35.3%, while structural metaphors are less common at 20% These findings highlight the dominant role of ontological metaphors in online discourse, emphasizing their importance in shaping meaning and understanding.
Structural metaphors involve describing an abstract domain in terms of a concrete experience, representing complex conceptual mappings Among these, the metaphor "Emotional harm is physical damage" stands out as one of the most typical and prevalent types This indicates how people often conceptualize emotional pain through physical damage to better understand and communicate their experiences Recognizing these patterns enhances our understanding of metaphorical language and its role in shaping emotional perception.
(1) In a statement, Mr Spence's parents said: "The killing of our fantastic and much-loved son Glendon has shattered us as a family
(2) The data on the number of children affected really struck me
(3) She added: "The violence has got to stop before it breaks even more hearts, just like it has broken mine." (E136)
(4) Our city's collective heart breaks to hear the unfathomable news of a 3-year-old boy who was shot and killed tonight on Chicago's West Side (E139)
Emotion is often conceptualized as physical harm, with metaphorical expressions using motion verbs like "shatter," "break," and "strike" to vividly describe feelings of sadness and hurt These metaphors draw from physical damage experiences to depict emotional pain, even though the heart is not literally broken—it's a figurative way to express profound sorrow, especially in contexts of loss or news about violence Fictive motion in these metaphors allows us to understand emotional states through physical harm imagery, making complex feelings more relatable Different motion verbs can be employed to capture various nuances of emotional distress, enriching our understanding and expression of sadness related to traumatic events.
EMOTIONAL EFFECT IS PHYSICAL CONTACT is an obvious example
(6) And seeing someone driving the red car that he used to drive makes my heart race (E51)
Julius's killing has deeply resonated in the United States, amplifying ongoing protests against police brutality that have persisted for months Prominent public figures, including Beyoncé's sister Solange Knowles, have spoken out on social media, highlighting the significance of this tragic event.
Metaphorical expressions like "makes my heart race" and "touched a nerve" vividly illustrate how emotions are linked to physical sensations Emotional experiences are rooted in bodily responses, impacting both mental and physical health For example, stress from events like losing a loved one can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure or ulcers, highlighting the strong connection between emotion and physical condition Additionally, the metaphor "changes are motions" emphasizes how emotions and life changes are often described through movement, reinforcing the dynamic relationship between our feelings and bodily responses.
(8) Mariam Moustafa, 18, fell into a coma after she was punched several times by a "pack" of assailants last February (E100)
This metaphor bridges the source domain of space with the target domain of the state, illustrating how health influences our sense of stability Daily experiences reveal that healthy individuals are active and energetic, so health issues are understood as forces that cause us to fall or lie down A coma, which shifts someone from a healthy to an unhealthy condition, is conceptualized as a force that makes a person fall, emphasizing the connection between physical states and spatial metaphors.
Our understanding of violence is fundamentally shaped by the metaphor of war, which is extensively reflected in everyday language Words like struggle, battle, combat, fight, attack, and lose, originally military terms, are now frequently used to describe non-military conflicts and situations This linguistic pattern highlights that the concept of war is deeply embedded in our perception of violence, particularly in how it is portrayed in the English press, where violence is systematically framed through the metaphor "Violence is War."
Victims’ rights advocates emphasize the urgent need to prioritize funding for domestic violence prevention, pointing out a significant disparity highlighted by official data They argue that police budgets allocated for combating domestic violence should be protected and ringfenced, similar to the dedicated funding for terrorism prevention This approach underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence with the same level of resources and urgency as other critical security issues.
(10) Separately, Hong Kong police have also unveiled a water cannon vehicle as a new tool to combat the protests (E169)
(11) Spending on fighting terrorism has been ringfenced whilst money for women’s support services and for the police has been cut,” said Saville Roberts (E198)
Conceptual metaphors used to understand the abstract concept of violence are rooted in everyday experiences, making complex ideas more comprehensible These metaphors often involve mapping violence onto something that can be eradicated, akin to an opponent in war From a military strategy perspective, behaviors like combat and fighting serve as familiar and effective metaphors for tackling violence This linguistic approach helps frame violence in terms of conflict and military engagement, facilitating a clearer understanding of its nature.
In violent situations, individuals often exhibit behaviors that violate social ethical standards, highlighting the need for education and behavioral shaping The metaphor "People are plants" illustrates how, like a bonsai tree requiring regular pruning to maintain its shape and health, humans also require tailored guidance and support to thrive Just as all living things have unique needs to flourish, each person’s development depends on personalized care and intervention.
(12) Grabbing a kid up” and locking him in a van or subjecting him to luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
“unorthodox moves” might, in fact, be just the thing some truculent youths need to set them straight (E20)
Orientational metaphors are the most prevalent type of metaphor, where concepts are understood through spatial relationships such as up-down, in-out, on-off, deep-shallow, and central-peripheral (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980) These metaphors shape our understanding of abstract ideas by linking them to physical orientation and movement, making complex concepts more comprehensible Recognizing the dominance of orientational metaphors enhances our grasp of how language reflects cognitive processes and influences perception.
14) Verticality is a basic human experience Up represents for being good The metaphor BEING GOOD IS BEING UPRIGHT can prove this idea
(13) Dave Kitchen, the union’s incoming president, told delegates that teachers needed to stand up to poor behavior and poor management in schools… (E124)
(14) “This is a time for us all to step up and we will do just that," she said.” (E203)
Metaphors are pervasive in daily life, with the concepts of MORE and LESS aligning with UP and DOWN Up symbolizes movement toward higher positions, while down indicates descent to lower levels Quantity is understood through vertical orientation, where increases in amount correspond to upward movement, such as water levels rising or piles getting taller This association between quantity and verticality explains why increases in crime rates or tendencies of growth are often depicted using UP-related metaphors For example, crime data, regional crime trends, and emotional intensities are frequently described using UP as a metaphor for increase, illustrating the conceptual link between verticality and quantity (Küçükçetin, 2010).
(15) Gun violence in Chicago tends to peak during the summer months
Recent reports highlight a troubling surge in violent incidents in New York City, including assaults against law enforcement officers and an increase in shootings Despite these rising concerns, investigations into cases involving children facing or at risk of "significant harm" continue to steadily climb, underscoring ongoing safety and welfare challenges in the city.
(17) “The rage that builds up inside you, you gotta channel that for good,” he said (E85)
Over 100 individuals were arrested on Monday as overnight disruptions escalated into looting in Chicago's renowned Magnificent Mile shopping district Authorities reported significant damage and unrest in various parts of the city, highlighting the severity of the incident.
(19) The Caia Park area has been previously blighted by arson attacks which reached their height in 2015, with 55 recorded deliberate fires (E103)
(20) The nearest spike in the early summer month was a short-lived 63 percent hike in 2006, just half today’s increase (E105)
(21) We have been very fortunate that shootings have been rare at demonstrations where emotions are already running high… (E149 )
High frequency of UP-oriented metaphors, such as surge, spike, peak, and climb, emphasize the negative trend of increasing crime rates These words vividly illustrate how crime reaches its highest levels, reflecting a concerning rise Conversely, the metaphor LESS IS DOWN indicates a downward trend, representing decreases in crime and emphasizing the importance of understanding directional metaphors in analyzing crime dynamics.
Metaphor in Vietnamese newspapers on social violence
In 86 Vietnamese online articles, there are 161 metaphors in total The metaphorical expressions are categorized into structural, orientational, and ontological The detailed information of their occurrences is demonstrated by the following table:
Table 4.2 The Occurrences and Percentages of Conceptual Metaphors in Vietnamese
Types of conceptual metaphors Occurrences Percentages
One of the most numerous is the group of conceptual metaphors is ontological metaphors, which make up 68.3% Both orientational and structural metaphors have lower positions (19.9 % and 11.8 % respectively)
A key insight is that a conceptual metaphor typically comprises a source and target domain, often used for impactful communication in the media Interestingly, only 19 structural metaphors, representing just 11.8% of all metaphors, play a significant role Abstract emotional concepts are frequently understood through physical health experiences, emphasizing the close relationship between mental and physical conditions For example, the metaphor "Emotional Harm Is Physical Damage" is grounded in the tangible experience of bodily health, highlighting how poor physical health can increase mental health risks and vice versa.
(54) Trong khi sự việc bạo hành trẻ ở An Giang vẫn còn nhức nhối thì luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si hôm nay (26.8), một đoạn clip quay lại cảnh bé trai bị giáo viên nhồi nhét thức ăn và lôi ra ngoài đánh được chia sẻ với tốc độ nhanh chóng trên mạng xã hội (V58) (While the child violence incident in An Giang is still painful, today (26.8), a clip of a boy being stuffed with food by a teacher and dragged out to beat is shared with rapid speed on social networks.)
If the defendant had remained calm that day, the tragic incident would have been avoided, preventing the loss of her husband's life.
Emotional control is often discussed in reports to highlight the perceived inability of perpetrators and defendants to manage their emotions Unlike physical objects, control is a conceptual idea that cannot be touched or held; instead, it is understood as an intangible aspect of human experience This notion is frequently metaphorically represented as "CONTROL IS HOLDING," emphasizing the idea that emotional regulation is akin to grasping or maintaining a sense of mastery over one's feelings Understanding control in this way underscores its importance in forensic and psychological contexts, illustrating the challenges individuals face in regulating emotions under pressure.
(56) Nghe chủ tọa phiên tòa yêu cầu thuật lại kĩ càng toàn bộ quá trình phạm tội, bị cáo Quyền không giữ nổi bình tĩnh và bật khóc (V7)
(Hearing the presiding judge request a thorough narration of the whole criminal process, defendant Quyen could not stay calm and burst into tears)
The conceptual metaphor "PEOPLE ARE PLANTS" illustrates how the abstract domain of human beings is understood through the source domain of plants, a universally familiar experience Just as bonsai artisans shape and sculpt plants intentionally, humans also require shaping and development to meet societal standards This comparison highlights the shared idea that both plants and people can be cultivated and guided, emphasizing the natural parallels between growth and self-improvement.
Dựa trên kết quả này, cô sẽ xác định chính xác năng lực học tập của từng học sinh để có phương pháp hướng dẫn phù hợp Cô sẽ hỗ trợ học sinh qua quá trình phê bình, sửa chữa, và bổ sung kiến thức tùy theo từng trường hợp cụ thể, giúp các em nâng cao thành tích học tập một cách hiệu quả.
(From this result, she will grasp the learning capacity of each child to tutor, shape, and further train depending on each case)
The concept of "up" is commonly associated with increases in quantity, size, or strength When a number rises, it signifies an upward movement or growth The phrase "more is up" encapsulates the idea that adding more to a pile makes it taller or higher, illustrating how "up" relates to the escalation of degree or magnitude This metaphor highlights that as things increase, they go "up," emphasizing growth and expansion across various contexts.
(58) Tuy nhiên, không loại trừ trường hợp những người nhận thức cao vẫn gây án (V29) (However, it is not an exception that people with high awareness still commit crimes.)
Trung tá Đào Trung Hiếu, chuyên gia phân tích tâm lý tội phạm của Bộ Công an, nhận định rằng trạng thái tâm lý tiêu cực kéo dài đến đỉnh điểm đã biến thành lòng thù hận sâu sắc, khiến hung thủ bị giày vò bởi những cảm xúc tiêu cực.
Lieutenant Colonel Dao Trung Hieu, an expert in criminal psychology from the Ministry of Public Security, stated that when a negative psychological state reaches its peak, it can escalate into a feud that torments the perpetrator.
Conflicts combined with the stresses of daily life can quickly escalate, especially in situations fueled by resentment and negative thoughts These intense emotions tend to accelerate rapidly, potentially leading to heightened tensions and adverse outcomes Managing stress and fostering positive thinking are crucial to prevent conflicts from spiraling out of control and to promote emotional well-being.
Our understanding of spatial concepts is fundamentally rooted in our physical experience of being UP or DOWN within Earth's gravitational field This spatial metaphor transitions from the source domain of space to the target domain of events, shaping how we interpret various phenomena Additionally, the concept of stillness versus motion exemplifies how being in a stationary state contrasts with movement, reflecting our intuitive grasp of dynamic changes in space.
The UP and DOWN metaphors also represent the conceptualization of positive and negative states of mind
The conceptual metaphor "More Is Up" is complemented by "More Is High," which is based on spatial orientation This metaphor is rooted in the image schema of verticality (HIGH), serving as the source domain Our understanding of this concept is grounded in our physical experience of the world, allowing us to associate increased quantity with upward and elevated positions.
The peak of the incident occurred at noon on June 11, when thousands of violent protesters from Phan Rí Cửa town gathered on Highway 1, throwing stones at the South bridge and clashing with mobile police forces.
Ontological metaphors enable us to conceptualize intangible concepts like emotions, purposes, and life as if they were tangible entities According to Lakoff and Johnson (1980), these metaphors allow us to see non-objects as if they were objects, often framing them within a container with defined boundaries For example, one common ontological metaphor is "The body part is the container for emotions," illustrating how emotions are often understood as being stored or housed within specific parts of the body.
(62) Quyền bị truy tố với khung hình phạt lên tới tử hình nên lúc nào Quyền cũng cúi mặt xuống đất với ánh mắt đượm buồn (V3)
(Being prosecuted with a penalty of up to the death penalty, Quyen always lowered his face to the ground with sad eyes)
(63) Nghe đến đây, khuôn mặt Quyền bắt đầu biến sắc (V10) (Hearing this, Quyen's face began to change color)
The similarities between conceptual metaphors in English and
One of the aims of this study was to examine whether there is a common use of certain metaphorical concepts by the two languages or not The illustration in the tables below gives us a general view of the distribution of three types of conceptual metaphors in English and Vietnamese online newspapers We can see the similarities and differences of the conceptual luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si metaphors in the frequency of occurrence and percentage of each category of metaphors in both languages
Table 4.3 The Occurrences and Percentages of Conceptual Metaphors in English and
Types In English In Vietnamese
As is illustrated by the Table 4.3, the ontological metaphors take the highest portion, which indicates that they are pervasive in both English and Vietnamese (44.7% and 68.3% respectively) The structural metaphors, at the other extreme, makes up only 20% in English and 11.8 % in Vietnamese Three typical types of metaphors in English and Vietnamese newspapers have been used as they are an inevitable part of everyday human communication
As it was evident from the result, both English and Vietnamese articles nearly have the categorization of conceptual metaphors in common
English and Vietnamese languages share similar conceptualizations in newspapers due to shared human physical experiences, such as the correlation between quantity and vertical space exemplified by the "MORE IS UP" metaphor Journalists frequently utilize these spatial metaphors to describe social violence, highlighting high or low crime rates through up-down dimensions, reflecting common ways of perceiving social issues across both cultures.
Ví dụ điển hình là khi nạn nhân thay vì chấp nhận cảm giác tội lỗi tạm thời và rời xa những căng thẳng đó để từ từ giải quyết vấn đề, lại có xu hướng thách thức, đe dọa hoặc xúc phạm quá mức, gây leo thang hành vi phạm tội Chuyên gia Thìn phân tích rằng, hành động này thường làm tình hình trở nên phức tạp hơn và kéo dài quá trình xử lý vụ việc.
Over 100 individuals were arrested on Monday as overnight disturbances escalated into looting in Chicago's Magnificent Mile shopping district Authorities reported widespread disruption, including property destruction in various parts of the city, highlighting the severity of the unrest.
Spatial metaphors such as "high" and "escalated" are commonly used to describe situations involving verticality, reflecting human movement experiences These expressions illustrate how our understanding of height and elevation influences language and perception As previously noted, similar metaphorical terms are prevalent in various contexts, reinforcing the connection between physical movement and conceptual understanding of progress or intensity This semantic pattern highlights the role of spatial metaphors in shaping communication and cognitive frameworks.
Dr Hà Thanh Hải (2011) and Hồ Vi Nữ Mỹ Linh (2011) utilize up-down spatial metaphors to illustrate abstract economic phenomena, emphasizing that economic development is often conceptualized as "up," symbolizing growth and progress, while economic decline is depicted as "down," representing regression and deterioration These linguistic strategies help convey complex economic concepts through intuitive spatial orientations, enhancing understanding across different languages and cultures Employing spatial dimensions as metaphors aligns with cross-cultural cognitive patterns, making economic discussions more accessible and relatable This approach underscores how language shapes perceptions of economic change, using upward movement to signify prosperity and downward movement to indicate decline.
The conceptual metaphor of "HUMAN BEHAVIOR IS ANIMAL BEHAVIOR" appears in both English and Vietnamese contexts, highlighting how humans are often metaphorically compared to animals, especially when they lose emotional control or commit crimes Based on Darwin’s theory of evolution, humans are a species of ape, sharing many characteristics with animals When humans act uncontrollably or aggressively, it often reflects primal instincts such as anger or a struggle for personal benefits This metaphor underscores the idea that human emotions and behaviors can be understood through the lens of animal behavior, particularly in situations involving anger release or aggression.
(80) “Get the f–k out of here!” the initial caretaker roars at the kneeling demonstrator, shoving her backwards (E160)
When Hoàng detected someone approaching, he quickly discarded the stolen items and swiftly concealed himself by slipping into the dense forest.
During the daytime, the fugitive searched for forest leaves and dug wild potatoes to eat, helping to alleviate his hunger, before heading to a stream to find water and quench his thirst.
Criminals often hide and act like wild animals after committing serious crimes, embodying primal instincts Snakes symbolize slipping acts, as they quickly retreat into the grass to avoid human contact, representing evasive behavior Similarly, the concept of "groping" in animals illustrates reaching for safety while remaining alert to potential threats For example, deer fawns venture to riverbanks to drink water but stay vigilant for predators, exemplifying the instinct to seek refuge while remaining cautious of danger.
Both languages use animal acts to depict human behavior, highlighting the comparison between human actions and animals The metaphor "PEOPLE ARE PLANTS" is also prominent in both languages, emphasizing growth and development Additionally, morality plays a crucial role in society, as human beings require education to evolve into better, well-rounded individuals.
(83) Grabbing a kid up” and locking him in a van or subjecting him to
Unorthodox moves may sometimes be misunderstood, but they can also serve as effective strategies for youth to assert themselves and challenge traditional norms It's important for young people to stay true to their goals and pursue innovative approaches, even if they seem unconventional Encouraging fresh perspectives and bold actions can lead to personal growth and social progress Proper guidance and mentorship are essential to help youths channel their disruptive energy positively.
(84) Từ kết quả này, cô sẽ nắm được học lực của từng em để có hướng phụ đạo, uốn nắn, bồi dưỡng thêm tuỳ từng trường hợp (V41)
(From this result, she will grasp the learning capacity of each child to tutor, shape, and further train depending on each case)
In human cognition, body parts serve as a powerful source domain to conceptualize and describe abstract complex systems Using body parts as metaphors allows us to make sense of intricate, intangible concepts by relating them to familiar physical structures This linguistic approach enhances understanding and communication, highlighting how abstract ideas can be mapped onto concrete bodily references Incorporating body parts as metaphors in language helps clarify complex systems, making them more accessible and relatable to our everyday experiences.
A man fatally shot during clashes between Black Lives Matter protesters and supporters of President Trump in Portland, Oregon, has been identified as Jay Bishop, a supporter of Patriot Prayer, according to the group's leader.
The differences between conceptual metaphors in English and
While English and Vietnamese newspapers share similarities in their basic semantic features, journalists in each language employ metaphorical expressions differently, resulting in distinct occurrences and meanings that reflect cultural and linguistic nuances.
Figure 4.3 The Total Conceptual Metaphors in English and Vietnamese Online
English journalists tend to utilize conceptual metaphors more frequently than Vietnamese journalists, with 235 metaphors compared to 161, despite both texts being of similar length (over 47,000 words) This indicates a higher reliance on conceptual metaphors in English journalistic writing, highlighting differences in language use and cognitive framing across cultures.
Figure 4.4 The Occurrences and Percentages of Ontological Metaphors in English and Vietnamese Online Newspapers
The distribution of ontological metaphors varies across the data, with these metaphors being the most prevalent compared to other types Vietnamese articles contain slightly more ontological metaphors (110) than English articles (105) While ontological metaphors constitute less than half of the total in English reports (44.7%), they account for over two-thirds in Vietnamese data (68.3%) This highlights the prominence of ontological metaphors in both languages, with a notably higher concentration in Vietnamese texts.
Structural metaphors vary in frequency across languages, with 47 instances representing 20% in English, while Vietnamese structural metaphors occur at a different rate, highlighting language-specific differences in metaphor usage.
19 (11.8%) luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
Figure 4.5 The Occurrences of Structural Metaphors in English and Vietnamese
In qualitative comparisons of conceptual metaphors, the "MORE IS UP" metaphor is most prevalent in English articles, whereas the "KNOWING IS SEEING" metaphor appears most frequently in Vietnamese texts, as detailed in Table 4.5.
Table 4.5 The Most Commonly Used Conceptual Metaphors in Both Languages
Newspapers Conceptual metaphors Metaphorical expressions Occurrences
English MORE IS UP surge, escalate, spike, hike, up, high, climb, accelerate, 53 (22.5%)
SEEING sáng tỏ, làm rõ
Both target and source domains share several aspects, including metaphors structured around various themes The target domain encompasses elements such as acts of violence, emotional impact, the concept of time, and control For instance, while the Vietnamese concept of time shares similarities with English—such as viewing time as a moving object—there are notable differences Specifically, in Vietnamese, what is in front of the speaker is perceived as the future, highlighting cultural variations in conceptualizing time.
In example (95), the element in front of the speaker refers to a past event These examples illustrate that time is perceived as something that moves from the future into the past, highlighting the directional flow of time from upcoming moments to those already experienced This perspective emphasizes the progression of time as a continuum, where future events become past, shaping our understanding of temporal order.
(94) “He had his whole future ahead,” said the friend, Joe Mauro
(95) Trước đây, bị cáo khai như vậy là muốn nhẹ tội, nhưng bây giờ bị cáo biết sai và bị cáo không muốn gây ra oan sai” (V129)
(Heretofore, the defendant claimed that he wanted light punishment, but now the defendant knows it is wrong and the defendant does not want to cause injustice)
Both Vietnamese and English exhibit the phenomenon of meaning transfer in spatial words through the mechanism of orientational metaphors, where lexical units shift into new conceptual domains, reflecting cultural experiences These new meanings are culturally grounded and shaped by the socio-cultural salience of concepts within each community, leading to different conceptualizations across cultures Furthermore, metaphors related to emotions can have diverse linguistic expressions; for example, Vietnamese utilize internal organs like "lòng" (entrails) to symbolize love, exemplified in the song "Lòng Mẹ," whereas Western cultures associate love primarily with the heart, a symbol universally recognized Despite the shared metaphor of emotional harm as physical damage, the linguistic expressions differ, highlighting how cultural perspectives influence metaphorical language related to emotions.
(96) She said he was taken "unnecessarily, needlessly and cruelly" and his family is "heartbroken" (E134)
Mr Cuong explained that the incident was quite simple, rooted in the strong bond and goodwill among neighbors However, a conflict arose solely due to the unpleasant stench from the pigpen, leading to a heartbreaking incident.
English writers often employ a variety of words to vividly express emotions and convey the journey toward gaining greater understanding They frequently use metaphors, such as "more information is reaching new heights," to illustrate the process of accumulating knowledge and insight This poetic language enriches communication, making descriptions more engaging and memorable.
(98) He usually walked up with a smile and an awkward joke but also had a deep analysis of what’s wrong in the world and a passion for fighting those things (E194)
(99) Saima Begum, who also has a daughter with special needs who attends the school, said parents were "really shocked" to find out
"how deep this issue is (E195)
English writers often use spatial orientation, such as "deep" and "shallow," to organize and convey the amount of information, emphasizing depth of knowledge In contrast, Vietnamese culture employs the metaphor "KNOWING IS SEEING," highlighting a conceptual link between understanding and perception This difference reflects distinct cognitive and linguistic patterns in how information and knowledge are conceptualized across languages Understanding these cultural and linguistic nuances can enhance cross-cultural communication and translation accuracy.
If land ownership is not clearly defined, anyone attempting to seize or rob the land risks facing severe consequences, emphasizing the importance of proper land clarification before any transactions or disputes.
Complex domains like acts of violence are metaphorically constructed through a set of discrete source domains in both languages The complexity of target domains such as emotions and human life arises from their inclusion of a broad range of aspects, making them richly layered and multifaceted.
English and Vietnamese newspapers both commonly use conceptual metaphors that share the same target domain but differ in source domains For example, the metaphor "CAUSATION IS A ROAD TO A DESTINATION" illustrates how causes lead to specific outcomes, while "CAUSATION IS LIGHTING AN OBJECT" emphasizes illuminating or highlighting effects These metaphors reflect how language in both cultures conceptualizes causality through familiar imagery, enhancing reader understanding Incorporating these metaphors into your content can improve SEO by aligning with common search terms related to causation and metaphorical language.
(101) Two South African police officers have been arrested over the deadly shooting of a 16-year-old boy, which had sparked violent street protests (E173)
(102) Hung thủ dùng kéo đâm người yêu nhiều nhát dẫn đến tử vong
(V24) (The perpetrator used scissors to stab his lover many times, leading to death)
Metaphors are deeply embedded in our daily language and are shaped by cultural influences Different cultures' value systems lead to diverse interpretations of shared experiences, reflected in their use of metaphors While English and Vietnamese media often employ similar conceptual metaphors, the specific expressions and metaphoric imagery can vary significantly between the two languages These differences highlight the cultural nuances in metaphor usage, underscoring the importance of understanding cross-cultural variations in communication.
Table 4.6 The Differences of Same Conceptual Metaphors in English and Vietnamese Newspapers
Same meaning, but different metaphorical expressions
Different meaning and different metaphorical expressions
PHYSICAL DAMAGE heartbroken đau lòng ∅
Summary
This chapter examines and contrasts the three types of conceptual metaphors—structural, ontological, and orientational—in English and Vietnamese online articles on social violence, focusing on their semantic features The study analyzes the distribution of these metaphors, including source and target domains, image schemas, and mappings, revealing that ontological metaphors are the most prevalent in both languages Notably, six common conceptual metaphors are identified across English and Vietnamese, such as "MORE IS UP," "HUMAN BEHAVIOR IS ANIMAL BEHAVIOR," and "PEOPLE ARE PLANTS," highlighting shared cognitive frameworks in expressing social violence.
ABSTRACT COMPLEX SYSTEM IS A BODY PART, HUMAN LIFE IS A VALUABLE OBJECT, and INTENSITY OF CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT IS
Conceptual metaphors related to "weight" are more frequently utilized by English reporters compared to Vietnamese ones, highlighting differences in metaphor usage across languages There is also a variation in the distribution and prevalence of ontological and structural metaphors between English and Vietnamese media Notably, some conceptual metaphors appear in English but are absent in Vietnamese, and vice versa, indicating distinct cultural and linguistic influences on metaphorical expressions These findings underscore the importance of understanding language-specific metaphor usage for effective cross-cultural communication and translation.