Publications

Publication details [#14112]

Strack, Daniel C. 2016. Solving Metaphor Theory’s Binding Problem: An Examination of “Mapping” and Its Theoretical Implications. Metaphor and Symbol 31 (1) : 1–10. 10 pp.
Publication type
Article in journal
Publication language
English
Place, Publisher
Routledge

Abstract

The term 'mapping' is frequently used by researchers dealing with figurative language -- especially metaphor, but also metonymy. However, the metaphorical nature of the word 'mapping' itself is not commonly acknowledged. There are two metaphor-based working definitions of 'mapping': the most common (but also to some extent problematic) originates in mathematical set theory, while the less common derives from neuroscientific research. The article discusses the problems arising from terminological inconsistencies in metaphor/metonymy theories and also in attempts to critically examine Lakoff's Invariance Hypothesis. It also discusses the advantages of adopting the term 'binding' for metonymy: this would avoid unnecessary theoretical confusion and create a common ground facilitating dialogue between cognitive linguists and cognitive neuroscientists.