Publications

Publication details [#13434]

Yang, Xiaolong and Tianyi Wang. 2017. The Pragmatic Truth Condition of Metaphors. Foreign Language and Literature 33 (4) : 72–76. 5 pp. URL
Publication type
Article in journal
Publication language
Chinese

Abstract

The truth condition is essential to the interpretation of metaphors. Previous studies overlook the real context in which metaphors originate. This study proposes that the pragmatic truth condition of metaphors lies in intersubjectivity and intentionality. At the personal level, it reflects speakers' propositional attitude and varies in accordance with contexts. Based on this, speakers use the most relevant words, belonging to the sub-personal level, to help hearers establish ad hoc concepts. An agreement is reached finally between hearers and speakers on the personal level via the pragmatic truth condition.