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Article published In:
Pragmatics & Cognition
Vol. 24:2 (2017) ► pp.138–163

Figurative uses of the head-denoting words baş and kafa in Turkish idioms

| Amasya University

This study analyzes the metaphoric and metonymic nature of baş/kafa ‘head’ in Turkish idiomatic expressions from a cognitive linguistic perspective. The database for the study is composed of idioms containing the two head-denoting words baş and kafa. Idioms and their definitions are analyzed in terms of their figurative uses of abstract concepts, and the conceptual metaphors and metonymies are identified. Findings are examined under five categories: head as the representative of the person, the seat of mental faculties, the locus of emotions, the sign of superiority/power, and the sign of value. The study proposes a cultural model in which the image schemas whole-part, containment and verticality play a key role, and reveals cross-cultural similarities and differences in the conceptualization of head. The study also provides further support for the embodiment thesis, and underscores the impact of cultural processes in shaping the way the body is conceptualized.

Keywords: figurative language, head, metaphor, metonymy, cultural models
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Method
    • 2.1Data collection procedure
    • 2.2Data analysis procedure
  • 3.Findings
    • 3.1 head as the representative of the person
      • 3.1.1 head for the person
      • 3.1.2 head for the ruler
      • 3.1.3 head for life
      • 3.1.4 head for personal traits
    • 3.2 head as the seat of mental faculties
      • 3.2.1 head is a container for mind/intelligence/memory/knowledge
      • 3.2.2 head for thinking
      • 3.2.3 head for rationality/insanity
    • 3.3 head as the locus of emotions
      • 3.3.1 head is a container for emotions/emotions are in the head
      • 3.3.2 head is the experiencer of emotions
      • 3.3.3 head (position) is a reflector of emotions
    • 3.4 head as the sign of power
      • 3.4.1 head for superiority/power
      • 3.4.2 head for control/obedience
    • 3.5 head as the sign of value
      • 3.5.1 head is the top/most important part/starting point
      • 3.5.2 the object of value/respect is on the head
  • 4.Discussion
  • 5.Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 19 October 2018
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/pc.17025.bas
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