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: P85-106, Chapter19-21
Summary of the Content:
Chapter 19: Definition and Understanding
In this chapter, the authors elaborate on how metaphors play a crucial role in defining and shaping our understanding of the world. They argue that our conceptual systems are fundamentally metaphorical, and these metaphors influence how we define concepts and make sense of experiences. The process of defining often relies on metaphorical mappings from more concrete domains to abstract ones. For example, when we define “time” as a resource (“wasting time”, “investing time”), we impose a structure on the abstract concept of time based on the concrete domain of resources, which in turn affects how we understand and interact with time. The chapter emphasizes that definitions are not neutral but are shaped by the metaphors we employ, thereby influencing our cognitive frameworks.
Chapter 20: How Metaphor Can Give Meaning to Form
This chapter explores how metaphors can endow form with meaning, particularly in language and thought. The authors demonstrate that the structural form of our concepts and linguistic expressions is often derived from metaphorical projections. For instance, the metaphor “ARGUMENT IS A BUILDING” gives form to the activity of arguing, leading us to expect arguments to have a “foundation”, “structure”, and “solidity”. The form itself becomes meaningful because of the metaphorical associations we have with the source domain (building). This shows that form is not arbitrary but is imbued with meaning through metaphor, connecting abstract forms to our embodied experiences in the physical world.
Chapter 21: New Meaning
In the final chapter discussed, the focus is on how metaphors generate new meaning. The authors explain that when existing metaphors are extended or new metaphors are created, they can bring about novel understandings and insights. New metaphors can bridge previously unrelated domains, fostering innovative ways of thinking. For example, the metaphor “THE INTERNET IS A HIGHWAY” initially provided a way to understand the internet as a network for moving information, but as the internet evolved, this metaphor continued to be extended, giving rise to new meanings and interpretations. The chapter highlights that metaphors are not static but dynamic, capable of creating new meaning as our experiences and contexts change, thus enabling cognitive growth and innovation.
Evaluation:
The authors’ exploration of metaphors in these chapters offers profound insights into the nature of human thought and language. Their argument that metaphors are not just rhetorical devices but fundamental to our conceptual systems is compelling. The detailed analysis of how metaphors shape definitions and understanding reveals the pervasive role of metaphor in our daily lives, which is often overlooked. The examples provided, such as the “TIME IS A RESOURCE” metaphor, effectively illustrate how abstract concepts are structured through concrete metaphorical mappings.
Regarding the discussion on how metaphor gives meaning to form, the authors successfully demonstrate the interconnection between form and meaning through metaphorical projection. This challenges the traditional view that form and meaning are separate, highlighting the embodied nature of meaning construction. The analysis of how new metaphors generate innovative meanings underscores the creative potential of metaphor, which is crucial for understanding human cognition and linguistic evolution.
Reflection:
Engaging with these chapters has significantly altered my perspective on language and thought. I now appreciate how deeply ingrained metaphors are in my daily thinking. For example, when I plan my schedule, I often think in terms of “managing” or “allocating” time, which reflects the “TIME IS A RESOURCE” metaphor. Recognizing this has made me more aware of how these unconscious metaphors shape my behavior and attitudes toward time.
In my academic writing, I have realized that I frequently rely on metaphors to structure my arguments, such as referring to a theory as “strong” or an idea as “well-supported”, which aligns with the “ARGUMENT IS A BUILDING” metaphor. Being conscious of these metaphors allows me to choose more deliberately and consider whether alternative metaphors might offer fresh perspectives on my subject matter.
The discussion on new meaning has inspired me to think more creatively about how metaphors can foster innovation. In problem-solving, seeking out new metaphorical connections between different domains could potentially lead to novel solutions. For instance, thinking of a complex system as a “living organism” rather than a “machine” might prompt a focus on adaptability and interconnection rather than linear efficiency.
Moreover, this reading has heightened my awareness of the cultural dimensions of metaphors. When communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds, I should be mindful that some metaphors I use might not translate effectively, and I should be open to understanding their culturally-specific metaphors to ensure clear communication.
Overall, these chapters have provided me with a powerful framework for understanding how language and thought are intertwined through metaphor, and this understanding will undoubtedly influence how I think, write, and communicate in the future.