This thesis provides an analysis of the use of metaphorical expressions concerning war in political discourse from the perspective of cognitive linguistics. It is divided into three chapters. The aim of the first chapter is to present the theoretical framework for the practical part of the thesis. It begins with pivotal theories and concepts behind metaphors and their importance for not only the language but also the world around. In this section, first, a definition of metaphor and some key concepts concerning metaphor such as conceptual metaphor, structural metaphor, conventional metaphor and the scope of metaphor will be illustrated one by one in detail. Among numerous definitions of the phenomenon suggested by scholars, only those capturing peculiar traits of metaphor will be presented. Secondly, metaphor will be characterized as a basic and crucial mean of communication, for both laypersons and professionals.
Chapter two is devoted to the presentation of researches on metaphor in political discourse. As first, the theories on metaphor and its function in political discourse will be described. Although recognized and acknowledged, the omnipresence of metaphor in political discourse raises a question of its function. The following chapter is an individualistic attempt to answer the following question: is metaphor construed as an ornamental figure of speech or symbolic trope, or does it influence the way political issues are comprehended and evaluated? Political discourse is driven by underlying conceptual metaphors deeply rooted in the ideology and cultural environment of the speaker. The more distant the object, the more important the vehicle of comprehension metaphor is.
Chapter three analyzes metaphorical expressions of war in political discourse using cognitive linguistics. It studies data from Polish and English politicians' public addresses, revealing mappings between WAR and politics. This metaphor is deeply ingrained in citizens' minds, readily applied due to its association with conflicts among groups in politics.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Chapter 1. Theoretical framework of metaphors
- 1.1.Defining the concept of metaphor
- 1.2.Theories of metaphor.
- 1.3.Conceptual metaphor theory..
- 1.3.1 Structural metaphor
- 1.3.2 Conventional metaphor..
- 1.4.Metaphors as tools for communication......
- Chapter 2. Metaphors in political discourse
- 2.1 Function of metaphor in political discourse..
- 2.2. Cross-cultural perspective on metaphor in political discourse
- Chapter 3. A contrastive study of metaphors of war in English and Polish political discourse
- 3.1. An analysis of war metaphors in English and Polish political discourse
- 3.2. Findings and analysis
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis aims to analyze the use of metaphorical expressions concerning war in political discourse from the perspective of cognitive linguistics. The thesis focuses on comparing and contrasting the use of war metaphors in English and Polish political discourse, highlighting the cultural and ideological influences shaping their application.
- The theoretical framework of metaphor and its applications in language and communication.
- The role of metaphor in political discourse and its potential to influence comprehension and evaluation of political issues.
- A contrastive analysis of war metaphors in English and Polish political discourse.
- The identification of conceptual metaphors and their grounding in cultural knowledge and experience.
- The relationship between metaphor and ideology in political discourse.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter of the thesis delves into the theoretical framework of metaphor, providing a definition and outlining key concepts such as conceptual metaphor, structural metaphor, and conventional metaphor. It emphasizes the importance of metaphors in communication, both in everyday language and in literature.
Chapter two focuses on the function of metaphor in political discourse, exploring its role as a rhetorical figure and its influence on shaping political understanding. This chapter also examines the cross-cultural perspectives on metaphor in politics.
Chapter three presents a contrastive analysis of war metaphors in English and Polish political discourse. It analyzes the use of war metaphors in public speeches by politicians in both countries, exploring the underlying conceptual mappings and their connection to cultural knowledge and experience.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This thesis explores the use of war metaphors in political discourse, focusing on the contrasting perspectives of English and Polish languages. It examines the role of metaphor in communication and its potential to influence political understanding, highlighting the connection between metaphor, ideology, and cultural context. Key terms include metaphor, political discourse, conceptual metaphor, war metaphors, English language, Polish language, contrastive analysis, cognitive linguistics, and ideology.
- Quote paper
- Anika Grudziak (Author), 2023, Metaphors of War in English and Polish Political Discourse, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1383116
