Book Note on Metaphors We Live By:

悦悦悦

Book Note on Metaphors We Live By:
Reader: 赵悦
Reading Time: 1天
Reading Task: P37-47, Chapter10-12
Summary of the Content:
Chapter 10: Some Further Examples
In this chapter, the authors present more examples to illustrate the pervasiveness of metaphors in our conceptual system. They take the metaphor “Time Is Money” as a starting point and extend to other domains. For instance, in the metaphor “Time Is a Resource”, people talk about “spending time”, “wasting time” or “investing time”, which reflects how we conceptualize time in terms of economic resources. Another example is the metaphor “Argument Is War”, where we use expressions like “attack a position”, “defend a claim” or “win an argument”, showing that our understanding of arguments is structured by the concept of war. Besides, the authors also discuss metaphors in the areas of love, quantity, and morality, demonstrating that metaphors are not just linguistic phenomena but fundamental to how we think and experience the world.
Chapter 11: The Partial Nature of Metaphorical Structuring
This chapter emphasizes that metaphorical structuring in our conceptual system is partial, meaning that each metaphor only highlights certain aspects of a concept while hiding others. For example, the metaphor “Love Is a Journey” emphasizes the process and direction of a love relationship, but it may hide the emotional intensity or the static aspects of love. Different metaphors for the same concept can even be inconsistent with each other. Take the concept of time, while “Time Is a Moving Object” views time as something that comes towards us or passes by, “Time Is a Stationary Entity” sees us as moving through time. These different metaphors provide different perspectives but also have their limitations. The partial nature of metaphors means that our understanding of concepts is not absolute but constructed through specific metaphorical lenses.
Chapter 12: How Is Our Conceptual System Grounded?
Here, the authors explore the foundation of our conceptual system, arguing that it is grounded in our bodily experiences and physical interactions with the world. Basic metaphors arise from the correlation between sensory-motor experiences and abstract concepts. For example, the metaphor “More Is Up” is grounded in the physical experience that adding more substance to a container makes its level rise. Similarly, the metaphor “Happy Is Up” comes from the bodily sensations associated with happiness, such as standing tall, while sadness is associated with a slumped posture. These embodied experiences form the basis for more complex metaphors. The authors also point out that our conceptual system is not arbitrary but emerges from our physical existence and social interactions, which gives it a certain degree of universality and stability.
Evaluation:
The authors’ analysis in these chapters is insightful and persuasive. By providing a wealth of concrete examples, they successfully demonstrate the omnipresence of metaphors in our thinking and language. The discussion of the partial nature of metaphorical structuring is particularly valuable, as it reminds us that our conceptualizations are not objective reflections of reality but are shaped by specific metaphors, each with its own scope and limitations. This understanding can help us be more critical of our own thinking and avoid being trapped by single metaphorical frameworks.
Reflection:
Reading these chapters has greatly enhanced my awareness of metaphors in daily life. I now notice how often I use metaphorical expressions without being conscious of them, such as “I’m facing a difficult problem” or “She’s at the peak of her career”. These metaphors not only shape my language but also influence my way of thinking about problems and achievements.
The concept of the partial nature of metaphors has made me more cautious in interpreting concepts and arguments. When encountering different viewpoints, I now consider whether they might be based on different metaphorical frameworks. For example, in discussions about the economy, the metaphor “The Economy Is a Machine” emphasizes order and predictability, while “The Economy Is an Ecosystem” highlights interdependence and adaptability. Recognizing these different metaphors helps me appreciate the diversity of perspectives and avoid dogmatism.
Moreover, the idea that our conceptual system is grounded in bodily experiences has deepened my understanding of the relationship between mind and body. It makes me realize that our thinking is not disembodied but is fundamentally connected to our physical existence. This perspective has implications for various fields, such as education, where incorporating more sensory-motor activities might facilitate the learning of abstract concepts.
In conclusion, these chapters have provided me with a new framework for understanding how we make sense of the world through metaphors, and have inspired me to reflect more critically on my own thought processes and language use.