By definition, “idioms are not expected to behave linguistically as phrases but as long words” (Moreno 2007:177) and are not awaited to allow internal transformation. Idioms appear as isolated lexical units. They are linguistic expressions and involve metaphors, metonymies, pairs of words, idioms with it, similes, sayings, phrasal verbs, grammatical idioms and they “are assumed to be a matter of language alone” (Kövecses 2002:199).
According to the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms (ODI), the English word idiom derives from the Greek word idios meaning “private, peculiar to oneself”. An idiom “is a form of ex-pression or a phrase peculiar to a language and approved by the usage of that language, and it often has a signification other than its grammatical or logical one” (ODI 1999). These expres-sions have become rigid within the language. They are used in a fixed way without reference to the literal meaning of their component words.
The common phenomenon that the meaning of an expression is difficult or even impossi-ble to deduce from the meaning of the components it is composed of is called Idiomaticity (Fiedler 2007:22). The meaning of the components is difficult to derive because of the arbi-trariness in form and meaning. However, if idioms were arbitrary, they would not be moti-vated. The aim of this term paper is to observe the motivation of idioms of <fear> and thereby determine that idioms are not arbitrary. Therefore, chapter 2.1 presents an overview of idioms and motivation, especially metaphorically motivated expressions (chapter 2.1.2). Prediction and motivation will be distinguished in chapter 2.1.1. The emotion <fear> and the difference between this term and the related word <anxiety> will be described in chapter 2.1.3 to sim-plify the importance of distinguishing the different meanings of terms of <fear>. Eventually, the onomasiological approach will be discussed in chapter 2.2. Therefore, I will give examples of idioms of <fear> and <anxiety> in English as well as in German and observe their kinds of motivation. According to Kövecses (2002:202), the motivation of idioms arises from meta-phor, metonymy and conventional knowledge. This sentence shall present my hypothesis for this term paper.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction - definition of "idiom" and problem description
- 2 Idioms of
: An onomasiological approach - 2.1 Idioms and Motivation
- 2.1.1 Predictability and Motivation of meaning
- 2.1.2 Idiom and Metaphor
- 2.1.3 Definition of the emotion fear and difference between FEAR and ANXIETY
- 2.2 Kinds of Motivation of idioms of
- 2.2.1 Metaphorical Motivation
- 2.2.2 Metonymical Motivation
- 2.1 Idioms and Motivation
- 3 Conclusion
- 4 Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper aims to investigate the motivation of idioms related to fear, demonstrating that idioms are not arbitrary linguistic formations. It examines the relationship between idioms and their component parts, exploring how conceptual metaphors and metonymies contribute to their meaning. The study focuses on the English language, drawing comparisons with German where relevant.
- Motivation of idioms, particularly those expressing fear.
- The role of metaphor and metonymy in idiom creation.
- The distinction between predictability and motivation in idiom interpretation.
- Analysis of specific idioms related to fear and anxiety.
- Comparison of idiomatic expressions across languages (English and German).
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction - definition of "idiom" and problem description: This introductory chapter defines "idiom," highlighting its non-compositional nature and the challenge of deriving its meaning from individual components. It establishes the paper's central objective: to explore the motivation behind idioms related to fear, arguing against their arbitrary formation. The chapter lays the groundwork by reviewing existing definitions of idioms and the concept of idiomaticity, emphasizing the connection between form and meaning, and introduces the methodology for analyzing idioms of fear, setting the stage for the subsequent detailed examination.
2 Idioms of
Keywords
Idioms, fear, anxiety, metaphor, metonymy, motivation, predictability, conceptual metaphor, onomasiology, English idioms, German idioms, linguistic expression.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this term paper?
The term paper investigates the motivation of idioms related to fear, demonstrating that idioms are not arbitrary linguistic formations. It explores how conceptual metaphors and metonymies contribute to their meaning, focusing on the English language with comparisons to German.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
Key themes include the motivation of idioms (especially those expressing fear), the role of metaphor and metonymy in idiom creation, the distinction between predictability and motivation in idiom interpretation, analysis of specific idioms related to fear and anxiety, and a comparison of idiomatic expressions across English and German.
What is the methodology used in this paper?
The paper employs an onomasiological approach, focusing on the concepts expressed by the idioms rather than starting with the forms themselves. It analyzes the conceptual metaphors and metonymies underlying the idioms to explain their meaning and rejects the view of idioms as isolated lexical units.
What is the definition of "idiom" used in this paper?
The paper defines "idiom" as a non-compositional linguistic expression where the meaning cannot be derived directly from the meanings of its individual components. It emphasizes the challenge of understanding idiom meaning from its parts.
What is the difference between predictability and motivation in idiom interpretation, as discussed in the paper?
The paper distinguishes between weak and strong notions of motivation and predictability. It explores how some aspects of idiom meaning may be predictable based on the components, while others require a deeper understanding of the underlying conceptual metaphors and metonymies.
How does the paper analyze idioms related to fear?
The paper provides an in-depth analysis of idioms related to fear, examining specific examples and demonstrating how conceptual metaphors and metonymies contribute to their meanings. It highlights the importance of considering the underlying conceptual systems that inform the meaning of idiomatic expressions.
What languages are compared in the analysis?
The paper primarily focuses on English idioms, but it also includes comparisons with German idioms where relevant, enriching the cross-linguistic perspective of idiom analysis.
What are the key chapters and their content?
The paper includes an introduction defining "idiom" and outlining the research problem; a main chapter analyzing idioms of fear using an onomasiological approach, focusing on metaphorical and metonymical motivation; a conclusion; and a bibliography.
What are the keywords associated with this term paper?
Keywords include idioms, fear, anxiety, metaphor, metonymy, motivation, predictability, conceptual metaphor, onomasiology, English idioms, German idioms, and linguistic expression.
What is the overall objective of this term paper?
The overall objective is to demonstrate that idioms related to fear are not arbitrary but are motivated by underlying conceptual structures, primarily metaphors and metonymies. The paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the cognitive processes involved in idiom comprehension and creation.
- Quote paper
- Sarah Nitschke (Author), 2010, Idioms of <fear>: An onomasiological approach, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/157421
