The Role of Metaphor in Shaping Conceptualisation Across Languages
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17424089Keywords:
Metaphor, Conceptual Metaphor Theory, Cognitive Linguistics, Cross-Linguistic Conceptualisation, Language and Culture, English, Chinese, Urdu.Abstract
Metaphor is not simply an ornamental feature of language but a fundamental mechanism of human cognition that structures how individuals conceptualise and communicate abstract ideas. Rooted in Cognitive Linguistics, this study explores the role of metaphor in shaping conceptualisation across languages, drawing primarily on the Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) developed by Lakoff and Johnson (1980). The paper argues that metaphors are central to organising thought processes, framing cultural models, and constructing worldviews. They enable speakers to understand complex or intangible domains, such as time, emotion, and morality, through more concrete and embodied experiences. By comparing metaphorical systems in English, Chinese, and Urdu, the study reveals both universal and culture-specific patterns of metaphorical mapping. For example, metaphors such as TIME IS MONEY in English, HEART AS MIND in Chinese, and LOVE AS FIRE in Urdu demonstrate how cultural and linguistic contexts shape distinct conceptualisations of reality. These cross-linguistic differences highlight that language is not a neutral conduit but a cognitive and cultural system reflecting shared experiences and values. Ultimately, the paper concludes that metaphors act as a bridge between language, thought, and culture, providing valuable insights into how humans perceive, reason, and interact with the world across linguistic boundaries.References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Umar Riaz, Husnain Ali, Humaira Salik, Umme Ammara, Anam Ikhtiar
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