Metonymy in locatives of state

In “Metonymy in locatives of state,” Tiina Onikki-Rantajääskö analyzes abstract uses of locative case expressions. She focuses on expression of postures and facial expressions and other ‘locatives of state’ — expressions denoting psycho-physical and other states in Finnish. Special attention is given to the bridging role of metonymy in the abstract uses of locative case expressions. Onikki-Rantajääskö shows that metonymic and metaphorical tendencies are based on cultural models. Another organizing principle lying behind expressions of posture are image-schematic dimensions. The paper shows how metonymic-metaphorical extensions make use of these dimensions. Together they form the motivation for and organizing principle behind the abstraction tendencies observed in locatives. In such a way Onikki-Rantajääskö explores the experiential and bodily basis of metaphor and metonymy.

Published online: 19 October 2006
https://doi.org/10.1075/cilt.277.08oni