The Torah/Law Is a Journey: Using Cognitive and Culturally Oriented Linguistics to Interpret and Translate Metaphors in the Hebrew Bible

The Old Testament legal texts are rich in metaphor, revealing how the authors understood their function in society and what the society of the time preferred in the law. Ivana Procházková's book investigates Hebrew metaphorical expressions concerning the key Old Testament concept of Torah/Law, using cognitive and cultural linguistic tools to explicate and analyze these expressions. She also uses cognitive linguistic analysis to look at modern translations of selected metaphorical expressions into Czech and English. Procházková closes with an analysis of the metaphors used in the Council of Europe publication Compass: Manual for Human Rights Education with Young People to conceptualize human rights.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 219 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2022
Publisher: Karolinum,Nakladatelstvi Univerzity Karlovy,Czech Republic

The Old Testament is a treasure trove of metaphorical expressions, woven seamlessly into its legal texts. These metaphors transcend the realms of poetry and emerge even in the most mundane legal passages. They grace the preambles of legal collections, provide concise summaries, offer insights into the interpretation of the law, and delve into the philosophical underpinnings of legal theory and practice. These metaphorical expressions offer a window into the minds of the authors who crafted the Torah/Law texts and shed light on the societal values and preferences of the time.

In her groundbreaking study, "The Torah/Law Is a Journey: An Analysis of Metaphor in the Legal Texts of the Old Testament Using the Tools of Cognitive and Cultural Linguistics," Ivana Procházková delves deep into the realm of Hebrew metaphorical expressions related to the central concept of Torah/Law. Through meticulous research, she identifies Hebrew conceptual metaphors and elucidates their intricate meanings. Moreover, she employs cognitive linguistic analysis to examine modern translations of selected metaphorical expressions into Czech and English, shedding light on the nuances and complexities of their translation.

Procházková's analysis does not end there. She takes us on a thought-provoking journey by examining the metaphors employed in the Council of Europe publication "Compass: Manual for Human Rights Education with Young People." By conceptualizing human rights through the lens of these metaphors, she offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the teaching and promotion of human rights education.

This comprehensive study is a testament to Ivana Procházková's expertise in cognitive and cultural linguistics, as well as her passion for exploring the rich tapestry of metaphorical expressions found in the legal texts of the Old Testament. It provides valuable insights into the cognitive mechanisms underlying metaphorical language, the cultural contexts in which metaphors emerge, and their profound impact on our understanding of law and human rights.

In conclusion, "The Torah/Law Is a Journey: An Analysis of Metaphor in the Legal Texts of the Old Testament Using the Tools of Cognitive and Cultural Linguistics" is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of language, culture, and law. It offers a profound exploration of the power of metaphor to shape our understanding of the world and inspires us to embrace the richness of linguistic and cultural diversity in our pursuit of justice and equality.

Dimension: 229 x 165 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788024648422