Some of the issues that characterize metaphor as a cognitive and textual-conversational device are outlined, and the papers appearing in this issue, which were delivered at a symposium in Turin (Italy) in May 1997, are introduced. The following crucial points are taken into account: (1) metaphor and nonliteral meaning, (2) metaphor as a cognitive process, (3) functions of metaphor, (4) understanding and misunderstanding metaphor, and (5) linguistic forms of metaphor. Adapted from the source document. (LLBA 2000, vol. 34, n. 2)