Publications

Publication details [#12272]

Xiang, Chengdong. 2016. Embodiment Hypothesis and Body Metaphor: Problems with the Embodiment Metaphor Theory. Journal of Tianjin Foreign Studies University 3. 33+81 pp. URL
Publication type
Article in journal
Publication language
Chinese
Keywords

Abstract

This paper through an investigation of body metaphors in ordinary language, media discourse and technological discourse attempts to argue against the embodiment hypothesis of conceptual metaphor theory. The results show that conceptual metaphors are not necessarily based on direct bodily experience, that all the things related to body are not always direct experience, and that not all the experience can be embodied. On the basis of empirical evidence and analysis, this study further argues that the problem with embodiment hypothesis mainly originates from the misleading and confusing definitions of such concepts as embodiment and body, and suggests a cautious use of these concepts.