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Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
COGNITIVE AND STYLISTIC PERSPECTIVE OF CONCEPTUAL
METAPHORS
Professor
Shomuradova Sh.J.
SamSIFL
Madla Muhammedali. M.A, B. ED
, TESOL
Calicut University (INDIA)
English Teacher (UzSWLU)
Abstract.
This paper examines the role of metaphor in linguistics and cognition with
emphasis on its role in art texts and language acquisition. Conceptual metaphor formation is
examined, as is the interaction between source and target domains and the effect this might have
on the communication process. The study discusses metaphorization as the cognitive mechanism
that constitutes human understanding and linguistic expression. Thus, while utilizing many
linguistic theories, the topic stresses the intricacy of metaphorical transformation and metaphor's
role in the semantic development. It then raises the possible discussion of the hurdles for
establishing a theory that brings together all the metaphors and the interdisciplinary importance
thereof.
Key words:
Metaphor, conceptual metaphor, linguistic analysis, cognitive linguistics,
semantic transformation, artistic discourse, source and target domains, metaphorization.
Uzbek linguistics has not fully implemented the analysis of lexical units based on
symbolic meanings, stylistic means, and contextual meanings in artistic texts. General linguistics
studies troops like metaphor, metonymy, antiphrasis, and oxymoron, which contribute to
dictionary and contextual meaning interaction. The development of neologisms in language is
studied as a natural process related to human understanding and societal development, with
metonymic neologisms being an element of this organized process.
The lack of a comprehensive theory on troops linguistically highlights the complexity of
this issue from linguistic, stylistic, pragmatic, and cognitive perspectives. The formation of new
troops in any language is based on asymmetrical dualism, and the study of troops requires
comprehensive exploration from both linguistic and philosophical perspectives[8].
From a philosophical perspective, it is possible to witness the emergence of completeness
from incompleteness through semantic-stylistic and functional changes in language. For instance,
the absence of harmony between the form and meaning of a word (incompleteness) is addressed
by the language system in response to requirements such as the dynamism and variability of the
communication process (completeness) [8].
Language serves communication and unique semantic-stylistic changes are preserved in
each language. Humans often use metaphors in cognitive processes, expressing thoughts and
attitudes, especially in decision-making. Understanding metaphors is intertwined with linguistic
constructions, as perceptions are constantly changing and engaging in dynamic interactions,
contributing to the development and progression of human understanding.
This dynamic interaction of perceptions not only characterizes the advancement of human
understanding but also creates a foundation for the emergence of new conceptual paradigms,
revealing the essence of new life principles. In recent years, researchers have conducted
extensive analyses of various aspects of metaphors, highlighting the multifaceted and intricate
nature of this linguistic phenomenon within the context of language studies.
The formation of conceptual metaphors is based on the complex process of interrelation
between the source and target domains. When discussing events, phenomena, or concepts related
to the source and target domains separately, such as using source domains like cause-and-effect,
premetaphor, and others to express events, it is essential to achieve semantic coherence in their
interrelation. In some cases, when the relationship between the source and target domains is
highly intricate, understanding the semantics of conceptual metaphors may pose certain
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difficulties. In such situations, it becomes necessary to analyze lexemes that contribute to the
composition of the source and target domains separately.
Stylistic metaphors, when examined in the context of an event where the simultaneous
realization of the two meanings of a word occur, namely the nominative and existential meanings,
may serve as evidence of the cognitive complexity of the formation of conceptual metaphors.
Despite the various definitions given by linguists for conceptual metaphors, the general
characteristics of semantic coherence between the source and target domains are recognized by
researchers.
Conceptual metaphors are based on systematic comparisons from a rational perspective,
and their formation in language is a natural process. The evolution of human perceptions is
linked to societal development, and the formation of new lexical units in language continues.
Metaphors can manifest as a complex element of this organized process, providing linguistic
possibilities by associating different concepts with a single term.
Various researchers have approached the analysis of metaphors due to their role in the
formation process of linguistic structures, emphasizing the semantic complexity of the formation
process. Conceptual metaphors, similar to stylistic metaphors, are considered as tools
contributing to communicative efficiency and they enhance the expressive nature of
communication, thereby amplifying the impact of communication. Therefore, some researchers
distinguish between metaphorical expressions used in everyday language and those employed in
literature, highlighting differences in their functions. Writers and poets often demonstrate a high
level of creativity in their works, utilizing metaphors to elevate the richness of the content and
enhance the expressive power, leading to a significant enhancement in the artistic and emotional
impact of their creations.
Metaphors created and crafted by writers, deemed as artistic products, may initially seem
quite elusive, yet they hold significant power when it comes to expressive content in literary
discourse. For instance, the metaphor crafted by Gabriel Garcia Marquez serves as an illustrative
example of the potency of metaphors in conveying ideas
: "Once he tasted some chamomile tea
and sent it back, saying only, 'this stuff tastes of window.' Both she and the servants were
surprised because they had never heard of anyone who had drunk boiled window, but when they
tried the tea in an effort to understand, they understood: it did taste of window" [2].
The mentioned conceptual metaphor serves as a powerful instrument in revealing the
level of the writer's individual skill in highlighting the hidden aspect of the window in a poetic
manner. In other words, the creation of conceptual metaphors, regardless of the method used,
plays a crucial role in expanding the semantic aspects of any language, providing a complete
picture of linguistic expressions.
Language, as a means of communication in society, performs its function, and
metaphorization can be preserved and developed as a distinctive feature specific to any language.
Human perceptions are in constant motion, transitioning from one form to another, constantly
transforming and adapting. This dynamic interplay of perceptions, in tandem with the constant
evolution from one state to another, contributes to the overall advancement and development of
human consciousness. This continuous movement of perceptions creates the foundation for the
ongoing progress and evolution of human understanding. In the creation of this foundation, it
serves the purpose of revealing the essence of the nature of new life principles based on the
establishment of new societal norms.
Researchers have explored metaphor as a linguistic phenomenon, revealing its
complexity and multifaceted nature. The absence of a comprehensive theory addressing all
aspects of metaphor highlights its intricate nature from a linguistic and pragmatic perspective.
The formation of new metaphors in languages is as complex as language acquisition. A singular
metaphor theory can address all dimensions of this intricate process. The cognitive mechanisms
facilitating verbal expression of mental constructs in human communication require linguistic
analysis, philosophical and ethnosociological research. Metaphor, examined from linguistic,
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philosophical, and psychological perspectives, is a phenomenon requiring attention from various
fields. [3,8,9].
The metaphorical transformation of lexical units indicates the multi-layered nature of the
language nominative system. The metaphorization of ordinary lexical layers introduces specific
features based on semantic characteristics. These distinctive features, according to semantic
characteristics, manifest themselves in a way that reflects the development of a certain people,
nation, or community up to the present day. The degree of development of the concept, which is
closely related to the understanding of concepts, is also evident in a connected manner.
As a result of the human perception and conceptualization of the environment, conceptual
metaphors are formed, and these metaphors are not the result of a simple semantic shift but
rather the product of the conceptual shift caused by the perception of the world. Several
researchers have demonstrated that conceptual metaphors arising from the understanding of
concepts are not mere semantic shifts but rather the result of the transformation of conceptual
structures [5,7,8]. According to the observations made, the metaphorization of lexical units is a
result of the complex cognitive process that occurs in human thinking. For instance, when
analyzing concepts such as moon, wolf, eagle, grass, and pigeon, which are commonly
associated with the national identity of various peoples, from a cognitive perspective based on
the ideas of J. Lakoff, the emergence of metaphorical meanings involves the participation of two
cognitive domains: the source domain and the target domain. In this case, it becomes evident that
the specific characteristics of a concept do not easily transfer to the second nomination. For
example, while the original content (outside the context) of the concept "wolf" may evoke
associations such as "predator, eyes, etc." in human cognition, when this word is used in relation
to humans, only those attributes that are compatible with the human image will contribute to the
meaning. This selectivity, in terms of cognitive aspects, facilitates the transformation of meaning
through the use of attributes that are congruent with the human image [1;72].
According to M. Black's theory, metaphorization involves four components: the source
domain, the target domain, and the system of markers for both the source and target domains.
Therefore, metaphorization is characterized by the interaction of two-dimensional objects,
meaning both the source and target domains undergo semantic changes. Analyzing metaphors
from a semantic perspective helps to provide an in-depth understanding of the theoretical
foundations of cognitive and pragmatic characteristics of metaphors. Cognitive metaphors
actively contribute to the interpretation of the artistic nature of the content from a stylistic point
of view.
The above ideas suggest that metaphors primarily appeal to initial associations. In the
case of two interconnected objects, the retention of similar attributes (the preservation of
distinctive features not shared by the simultaneous counterpart) leads to semantic-stylistic
changes based on the mutual influence and interference of the two concepts. In other words, the
selection of corresponding attributes for the second object depends on the presence of matching
characteristics. The degree of proficiency in this selection process contributes significantly to the
expansion of the lexicon's nominative perspective.
References:
1. Black M. Models and metaphors: Studies in language philosophy. New York: Cornell univ.
Press, 1962-267p.
2. Carbonel J. Metaphor. An Inescapable phenomenon in natural language comprehension //
www.reserchgate.net.
3. Croft W. and D. Alan Cruse. Cognitive Linguistics. – New York: Published in the United States
of America by Cambridge University Press, 2004 – 374 p.
4. Gibbs R.W. and others. Metaphor in idiom comprehension. Journal of memory and language.
University of California,1997,pp.141-154.
5. Gibbs R.W. The poetics of mind-figurative thought.1994.
6. McCormack. Cognitive theory of metaphor. MIT Press.1990.264p.
7. Sommer E., Weiss D. Metaphors dictionary.Visible Ink Press. Detroit.2001. 612p.
ILMIY VA PROFESSIONAL TA’LIM JARAYONIDA MULOQOT, FAN VA MADANIYATLAR
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8. Попова З.Д., Стернин И.А. Когнитивная лингвистика. М. АСТ: Восток-Запад, 2007, 314с.
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