Metaphor in Language and Culture across World Englishes

This book explores metaphor and figurative language as a characteristic of the many Englishes that have developed in different geographic, socio-historical, and cultural settings around the world. It draws on Cognitive (Socio)Linguistics, Conceptual Metaphor Theory, and Cultural Linguistics to analyze a variety of naturalistic data and text types, examining both the cultural conceptualizations underlying the use of figurative language and the linguistic-cultural specificity of metaphor and its variation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection of language and culture, focusing on the role of metaphor and figurative language in the diverse Englishes across the globe. By delving into the cognitive, socio-linguistic, and cultural dimensions of these linguistic phenomena, the contributions offer a comprehensive understanding of how metaphor and figurative language shape and reflect the unique identities of different cultures.

The book is organized into five chapters, each of which employs a range of research methodologies, including corpus linguistics, elicitation techniques, and interviews, to analyze a diverse array of naturalistic data and text types. These include online language, narratives, political speeches, and literary works, providing a rich tapestry of examples to illustrate the multifaceted nature of metaphor and figurative language.

Through their examination of both the cultural conceptualizations underlying the use of figurative language and the linguistic-cultural specificity of metaphor and its variation, the chapters shed light on the complex interplay between universal and culture-specific grounding of conceptual metaphor. They explore how metaphor and figurative language are shaped by cultural norms, values, and beliefs, as well as by the unique linguistic structures and conventions of different languages.

The studies presented in this book are contextualized within the frameworks of language contact and second language usage, highlighting the ways in which metaphor and figurative language are influenced by the intercultural dynamics of language acquisition and communication. The authors argue that the study of metaphor and figurative language across world Englishes is crucial for understanding the complex and dynamic nature of language and culture, and for developing more effective language teaching and learning strategies.

In conclusion, Metaphor in Language and Culture across World Englishes is a seminal work that advances our understanding of the role of metaphor and figurative language in the diverse linguistic landscapes of the world. By bringing together experts from various fields, the book offers a rich and comprehensive analysis of these linguistic phenomena, providing valuable insights into the cultural and linguistic dimensions of language. This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and language educators alike, as it contributes to the ongoing debate on the interplay of universal and culture-specific grounding of conceptual metaphor and its implications for language learning and communication.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350157538