Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Associate Professor of Linguistics, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 PhD Student of Linguistics, Department of Linguistics, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor of Linguistics, Department of Linguistics, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Present research, adopting a Cognitive Linguistic approach and based on Lakoff and Johnson’s (1987) theory of conceptual metaphors, investigates conceptualization manner of "positive and negative interpersonal interactions" domains in three languages of English, Farsi and French. Defining degree of embodiment, investigating role of image schemas and significance of the lived experience in shaping meaning, under the influence of the “environment” factor, constitutes the research objectives. 60 idiomatic expressions in subdomains of “annoyance & affection”, including 20 items in each of three languages, form the dataset. Findings affirm significant role of “body” and fundamental effect of speakers’ sensory-motor embodied experiences in formations of metaphors. High frequency of similar conceptual metaphors and identical image schemas across three languages, reflect cross-cultural and universal nature of “annoyance and affection” concepts as subdomains of "negative and positive interpersonal actions", despite environmental and cultural contexts variations among three linguistic communities. Results confirm Lakoff’s (2012) claims regarding the role of the most primary human experiences in shaping basic moral metaphors. Moreover, the influence of the “environment and cultural context” on “embodied language” can be presented under the notion of “embodied culture” and “cultural identity”: Ancient civilization of Persia, history of wars, resistances and Persian mystical literature have oriented surface structure of Farsi language toward a higher degree of employing BALANCE and PART-WHOLE image schemas in suppressing emotions, avoiding the expression of distress and inspiring an analytical approach. Role of French Existentialism movements and action-oriented culture of English-speaking communities is considered effective in use of PATH Schema.
Keywords
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