Metonymy in Language and Thought. Case Studies. 3301-JF2645

At the level of language, examples of metonymy include expressions such as: "hands" in "all hands on deck!"; "four wheels" in "A perfect set of four wheels for a perfect driver – that would be something!"; and also the statement "Boys will be boys" or the question "Do you have a watch?". Even though analysis of different kinds of linguistic manifestations of metonymy will be of main concern, non-linguistic realizations of metonymy in visual perception will also be considered. Relying on analyses of linguistic as well as non-linguistic examples of metonymy within the framework of cognitive linguistics, the course discusses metonymy as a conceptual process – a "figure of thought", rather than a "figure of speech".

Theoretical issues taken up during the course pertain to developments of conceptual metonymy theory in cognitive linguistics with reference to approaches postulated by: Lakoff and Johnson (1980); Lakoff and Turner (1989); Lakoff (1987); Taylor (1989); Langacker (1993); Radden and Kövecses (1999).

The chief source of data: English.

Main terms and issues:
• cognitive domain and Idealized Cognitive Model (ICM);
• the distinction of metonymic vehicle and metonymic target;
• pictorial and verbo-pictorial manifestations of metonymy in illustrations and drawings;
• linguistic metonymic expression (verbal metonymies) vs. conceptual metonymy;
• comparison of conceptual metonymy and conceptual metaphor;
• types of metonymies;
• systematicity of metonymies;
• functions of metonymy (lexical; discursive; rhetorical; cognitive);
• the role of metonymy in categorization;
• metonymy as a reference-point phenomenon;
• principles for the selection of metonymic vehicle;
• types of metonymy-producing relationships;
• linguistic manipulation by means of metonymy (in advertisements and politics);
• rhetorical effects of metonymy.

Course coordinators

Elżbieta Górska

Type of course

elective courses

Mode

Self-reading
Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

The course is meant for students of the II level (MA). • Two up to three absences are allowed. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom is governed by the rules set forth in Resolution No. 16 of the Teaching Council for the programs English Studies, English Studies – Linguistics, and English Studies – Literature and Culture of 9 December 2025 https://ia.uw.edu.pl/fileadmin/ilustracje/dokumenty/2026/RD_IA_2025_UCHWALA_nr16_narzedzia_AI_nowelizacja_ZAL2_EN.pdf

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE
Students will know and understand:
K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path) within the domain of English Studies. Specifically, students will know and understand manifestations of conceptual metonymy in language and in the visual mode (e.g. in illustrations, drawings); development of conceptual theory of metonymy in cognitive linguistics;functions of metonymy in language and thought; relationships between conceptual metonymy and metaphor.
K_W09 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright

SKILLS
Students will be able to:
K_U01 apply advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path) within the domain of English Studies. Specifically, students will be able to:
- analyse metonymic expressions in language (i.e. verbal metonymies) as well as pictorial and verbo-pictorial manifestations of metonymy in, e.g.: illustrations, drawings, cartoons, comics, print advertisements.
- criticaly read the literature on the conceptual theory of metonymy.
- recognize differences between diverse methodological approaches to conceptual metonymy.
- present their knowledge in a coherent, precise and linguistically correct manner in English on level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, using appropriate register and form.
- communicate with diverse groups of participants, and in particular about issues pertaining to the role of conceptual metonymy in language and thought.
- further develop their interest in cognitive linguistics with ease and keep their curiosity alive.
apply knowledge about conceptual metonymy in their translation practice.
K_U09 apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law

SOCIAL COMPETENCE
Students will be ready to:
K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources. Specifically, students will be redy to:
- critically assess their own linguistic knowledge and skills related to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of linguistic data.
- venture on lifelong learning and personal and professional development, applying knowledge and skills obtained during the course, and in particular their abilities to critically study academic literature.
- take responsibility for performing their professional duties, with due respect for the work of others.
- strive at formulating their views in a precise and trustworthy manner.
- care about the application of ethical norms in professional and academic conduct, as well as about development of professional ethos and ethical principles and norms in academia.
K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required.

*** Applies to students who began their studies in the year 2022/2023 ***

Knowledge
Students will know and understand:
K_W01 the place and status of linguistics within the humanities. Specifically, students will know and understand manifestations of conceptual metonymy in language and in the visual mode (e.g. in illustrations, drawings); development of conceptual theory of metonymy in cognitive linguistics; functions of metonymy in language and thought; relationships between conceptual metonymy and metaphor.
K_W02 Describe on an advanced level the current trends in linguistic research within English studies.

Abilities
Students will be able to:
K_U01 Apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to the discipline (linguistics, literary studies, culture and religion studies). Specifically, students will be able to:
- analyse metonymic expressions in language (i.e. verbal metonymies) as well as pictorial and verbo-pictorial manifestations of metonymy in, e.g.: illustrations, drawings, cartoons, comics, print advertisements.
- criticaly read the literature on the conceptual theory of metonymy.
- communicate with diverse groups of participants, and in particular about issues pertaining to the role of conceptual metonymy in language and thought.
K_U03 Apply knowledge about conceptual metonymy obtained during the course of studies to account for and solve a problem, thereby completing a research task related to the discipline linguistics.
K_U05 recognize differences between diverse methodological approaches to conceptual metonymy.
K_U09 Present knowledge in a coherent, precise and linguistically correct manner in English on level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, ensuring an appropriate register and form.

Social competences
Students will be ready to:
K_K02 Apply knowledge and skills obtained during the course of studies to undertake lifelong learning, as well as personal and professional development.
K_K03 Take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings related to the disciplines included on the curriculum of English studies.
K_K04 Assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to the studies.

Assessment criteria

• Form: Discussions and analytical tasks to be done individually and in small groups.
• The basis for the final grade is the result of the written mid-term (40%) and the final test (60%); types of test questions: multiple choice, filling-in blanks, one short open question.
• 10% extra can be gained from an optional written assignment; active participation in the discussions may also raise the final grade.

Bibliography

Basic readings (the relevant parts of):

Lakoff, George, and Mark Johnson. 1980. Metaphors we Live by. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Lakoff, George, and Mark Turner. 1989. More than Cool Reason. A Field Guide to Poetic Metaphor. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
Lakoff, George. 1987. Women, Fire and Dangerous Things: What Categories Reveal about the Mind. Chicago/London: The University of Chicago Press.
Langacker, Ronald W. 1993. "Reference-point constructions". Cognitive Linguistics 4(1): 1-38.
Radden, Günter, and Zoltán Kövecses. 1999. "Towards a theory of metonymy". In Metonymy in Languge and Thought, edited by Klaus-Uwe Panther, and Günter Radden, 17-59. Amsterdam: Benjamins.
Taylor, John R. 1989/1995. Linguistic Categorization. Prototypes in Linguistic Theory. Oxford: Clarendon Press.