Metaphor: Theoretical and Empirical Research. Technical Report No. 27 (original) (raw)

in this document, a review of traditional definitions and theories of metaphor suggests that they err in equating metaphors with comparisons rather than merely implying comparisons. Empirical research is then reviewed, revealing serious problems, particularly in developmental research. TheSe:problems include-inadequate theories about the nature of metaphore inadequate control over.preexisting knowledge, and hasty conclusions that children cannot understand metaphors, drawn becauseein certain experimental conditions children do not select metaphorical interpretations. Related research on the comerehensien of proverbs and analogies is discussed and recommendations for future research are-made. These depend on a redefiniticn of metaphor and on adequate controls of preexisting knowledge, surface structure, and meaning. The approach suggested emphasizes the context-dependent nature-of metaphors. Finally, it is argued that, even if metaphors can be transformed into comparisons, these comparisons are themselves nonliteral and, consequently, still need to be explained. Abstract Metaphor plays a major role in our understanding of language and of the world we use language to talk about. Consequent y, theories of language comprehension and of lan uage itself are incomplete if they do not handle metaphor, and they are inadequate if tl-.ey cannot. Traditional definitions and.theories of me ,nhor are revle A. It is suggested that they err in equating metaphors ith co pari,ons rather than merely implicat ng comparsons. Empirical research is then reviewed, revealing, for the most part, serious problems, particularly in the developmental research. These problems often relate to inadequate underlying theories as t_ the nature of metaphor. Other difficulties include inadequate controls over preing knowledge, and over-has y conclusions that children cannot understand metaphors because in certain experhnental conditions they do not select metaphorical interpretations. Related research on the comprehension of proverbs and analo ies is discussed. S me recommendations for future research are made. These depend on a re-d._ inition of me aphor and the case of an inves_ gative approach which will permit adequate controls of pre-existing knowledge, surface-structure, and meaning. The approach emphasizes the context-dependent nature of me!-aphors, and takes advantage of it.