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.
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
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis analyzes the use of war metaphors in English and Polish political discourse through the lens of cognitive linguistics. It aims to investigate the function of metaphor in political communication, exploring whether it serves as mere embellishment or influences the comprehension and evaluation of political issues. The study contrasts the use of such metaphors across the two languages, considering cultural and linguistic factors.
- The function of metaphor in political discourse
- Cross-cultural variations in the use of war metaphors in politics
- The cognitive mechanisms underlying the understanding and interpretation of political metaphors
- The relationship between language, culture, and political communication
- Analysis of war metaphors as tools for persuasion and manipulation in political contexts
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1. Theoretical framework of metaphors: This chapter lays the groundwork for the thesis by defining the concept of metaphor and exploring various theoretical frameworks surrounding it. It delves into different types of metaphors, including conceptual, structural, and conventional metaphors, highlighting their roles in communication and thought processes. The chapter analyzes various scholarly definitions of metaphor, focusing on those that capture the unique characteristics of this figure of speech. It emphasizes metaphor's crucial role as a communication tool, essential for both everyday interactions and professional contexts, establishing the foundation for the subsequent chapters' analysis of political discourse.
Chapter 2. Metaphors in political discourse: This chapter examines existing research on the use of metaphors in political discourse. It explores the function of metaphor within this specific context, addressing the question of whether it serves primarily as an ornamental figure of speech or a powerful symbolic tool that shapes the way political issues are perceived and evaluated. The chapter investigates the influence of underlying conceptual metaphors, deeply rooted in the ideology and cultural environment of the speaker, on the overall political narrative. It also highlights how the distance between the target domain (politics) and the source domain (often more readily understood concepts) impacts the effectiveness of the metaphorical vehicle used for communication.
Chapter 3. A contrastive study of metaphors of war in English and Polish political discourse: This chapter presents a practical analysis of war metaphors in English and Polish political discourse, drawing on data collected from public addresses of politicians from both countries. The analysis focuses on identifying the mappings between the source domain (war) and various target domains within the political sphere. It investigates the extent to which the conceptual metaphor "POLITICS IS WAR" is prevalent and how this mapping is grounded in the citizens' everyday knowledge and experiences. This analysis will explore how similar cultural understandings of war might result in similar usage, while simultaneously looking for potential differences between the two countries' political discourse and their implications.
Keywords
Metaphor, political discourse, cognitive linguistics, war metaphors, English, Polish, cross-cultural communication, conceptual metaphor, political communication, persuasion, manipulation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This language preview provides a comprehensive overview of a thesis analyzing the use of war metaphors in English and Polish political discourse. It covers the theoretical framework of metaphors, their function in political communication, and a contrastive study comparing their usage across both languages.
What are the key themes explored in this thesis?
The key themes include the function of metaphor in political discourse, cross-cultural variations in the use of war metaphors, the cognitive mechanisms behind understanding political metaphors, the relationship between language, culture, and political communication, and the analysis of war metaphors as tools for persuasion and manipulation.
What is the theoretical framework used in this analysis?
The thesis utilizes the framework of cognitive linguistics, focusing on conceptual metaphor theory, including structural and conventional metaphors, to understand how metaphors shape political communication and influence comprehension and evaluation of political issues.
How does the thesis analyze war metaphors?
The analysis involves identifying the mappings between the source domain (war) and target domains within the political sphere. It examines the prevalence of the "POLITICS IS WAR" metaphor and explores how cultural understanding of war might influence its usage in both English and Polish political discourse.
What languages are compared in the contrastive study?
The contrastive study focuses on comparing the use of war metaphors in English and Polish political discourse, investigating potential similarities and differences based on cultural and linguistic factors.
What kind of data is analyzed in the thesis?
The analysis draws upon data collected from public addresses of politicians from both England and Poland, aiming to identify and analyze the usage of war metaphors in their respective political discourse.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview includes summaries for three chapters: Chapter 1 introduces the theoretical framework of metaphors; Chapter 2 explores the use of metaphors in political discourse generally; and Chapter 3 presents a contrastive study of war metaphors in English and Polish political discourse. Each summary details the specific focus and methodology of each chapter.
What are the objectives of this thesis?
The thesis aims to investigate the function of metaphor in political communication, determining if it serves as mere embellishment or influences the comprehension and evaluation of political issues. It also seeks to contrast the use of war metaphors across English and Polish, considering cultural and linguistic influences.
What are the keywords associated with this thesis?
The keywords include: Metaphor, political discourse, cognitive linguistics, war metaphors, English, Polish, cross-cultural communication, conceptual metaphor, political communication, persuasion, manipulation.
What is included in this language preview?
This comprehensive language preview includes the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords of the thesis.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anika Grudziak (Autor:in), 2023, Metaphors of War in English and Polish Political Discourse, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1383116