Conceptual Metaphor 3301-JF2665-1ST

Descriptive issues taken up during the course cover, first of all, three basic experiential domains: life, emotions, and time, which – in terms of conceptual metaphor theory – constitute three different target domains of numerous conventional conceptual metaphors, such as: LIFE IS A JOURNEY, LIFE IS A GAMBLING GAME, EMOTIONS ARE FORCES, DESIRE IS HUNGER, TIME IS MOTION, TIME IS MONEY.

Many examples of linguistic realizations of conceptual metaphors are analysed; they are referred to as linguistic metaphorical expressions, or verbal/linguistic metaphors. Even though realizations of conceptual metaphors in everyday language constitute the main aim of analyses, their manifestations in poetry and fiction, as well as their non-linguistic (non-verbal) expression in gestures, print advertisements, paintings, sculpture, architecture are also considered.

The chief source of data: English.

Key terms and issues:
• the nature of metaphorical mappings.
• common source domains and target domains.
• image schemas as metaphorical source domains.
• kinds of metaphor (orientational, structural, image ("one-shot") metaphors.
• metaphorical entailments.
• coherence of metaphor.
• metaphor systems (The Great Chain of Being System; The Event Structure System).
• universality of conceptual metaphors.
• metaphor in language acquisition: primary metaphors (universal).
• cultural variation of metaphors.

Course coordinators

Elżbieta Górska

Type of course

elective courses

Mode

Self-reading
Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

The course is meant for students of the 1st level (BA). 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 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, as tegards this course, students know and understand foundations of the conceptual metaphor theory by Lakoff and Johnson; distinction of metaphors in language and in thought; non-linguistic (non-verbal) expression of conceptual metaphor.
K_W09 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright.

SKILLS
Students will be able to:
K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, literary studies and culture studies; in particular, students are able to:
•apply theoretical tools of the theory of conceptual metaphor by Lakoff and Johnson (1980) to describe metaphorical expressions in language (i.e. verbal metaphors) as well as non-linguistic realizations of conceptual metaphors in, e.g.: print advertisements, paintings, architecture.
• critically read the literature on the description of metaphors in language and thought.
• recognize differences between diverse methodological approaches to research of verbal and on-verbal realizations of conceptual metaphor.
• 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 metaphorical expressions in language (i.e. verbal metaphors) as well as non-linguistic realizations of conceptual metaphors in, e.g.: print advertisements, paintings, architecture.
• further develop their interest in other cognitive approaches to metaphor and to cognitive linguistics in general.
• establish cooperation with specialists in natural language processing (NLP) technologies that would reside in development of systems for automatic recognition, production, and generation of metaphorical speech/metaphorical text.
• establish cooperation with specialists in natural language processing (NLP) technologies that would reside in improving machine translation systems.
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 metaphorical expressions in language (i.e. verbal metaphors) as well as non-linguistic realizations of conceptual metaphors in, e.g.: print advertisements, paintings,architecture.
• 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 have familiarity with:
K_W02 discuss key terminology, well established methods and theories of linguistics, literary studies and culture studies within English studies. Specifically, as regards this course, students know and understand students know and understand foundations of the conceptual metaphor theory by Lakoff and Johnson; distinction of metaphors in language and in thought; non-linguistic (non-verbal) expression of conceptual metaphor.
K_W07 explain principles of designing linguistic studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions and testing research hypotheses

Abilities
Students will be able to:
K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, literary studies and culture studies; in particular students are able to:
•apply theoretical tools of the theory of conceptual metaphor by Lakoff and Johnson (1980) to describe metaphorical expressions in language (i.e. verbal metaphors) as well as non-linguistic realizations of conceptual metaphors in, e.g.: print advertisements, paintings, architecture.
• critically read the literature on the description of metaphors in language and thought.
• recognize differences between diverse methodological approaches to research of verbal and on-verbal realizations of conceptual metaphor.
• 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 metaphorical expressions in language (i.e. verbal metaphors) as well as non-linguistic realizations of conceptual metaphors in, e.g.: print advertisements, paintings, architecture.
• further develop their interest in other cognitive approaches to metaphor and to cognitive linguistics in general.
• establish cooperation with specialists in natural language processing (NLP) technologies that would reside in development of systems for automatic recognition, production, and generation of metaphorical speech/metaphorical text.
• establish cooperation with specialists in natural language processing (NLP) technologies that would reside in improving machine translation systems.

K_U02 employ the methodology of linguistics within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law.
K_U04 implement knowledge about conceptual metaphors to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in linguistics.
K_U11 design one’s own development.

Social competences
Students will be ready to:
K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests.
K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects and other activities undertaken at work, voluntary services, etc.

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 (textbook):
Kövecses, Zoltán. 2002. Metaphor. A Practical Introduction. New York: Oxford UP.