Interpreting Metaphors through Theories of Meaning. Conventional and Literal Meaning

Essay from the year 2019 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 70, University of Greenwich (New York College), course: Meaning in Language, language: English, abstract: This essay discusses the challenges metaphors pose to theories of meaning originating from both the branches of Pragmatics and Semantics. A metaphor is a conventional use of language where one linguistic object, namely a target domain, and the concept behind it is assigned to another linguistic object and the concept behind it, namely a source domain, from which it appears to have borrowed a determined feature even if the two concepts are unlike.

In rhetorics metaphors function as stylistic embellishments to beautify speech and entertain a certain audience for purposes of an ideological effect, such as persuasion or motivation. Namely they have the power to create new prejudices and beliefs and provide a new view of the world.