Publications

Publication details [#5195]

Goddard, Cliff. 1996. Cross-linguistic research on metaphor. Language and Communication 16 (2) : 145–151. 7 pp.

Abstract

This paper expands Mühlhäusler's (1995) concern about the necessity of studying the semantic systems of non-Western languages. So the main focus of this paper is the analysis of both literal and metaphorical aspects of the lexicon in the domain of existence and emotions. The author bases his study on Wierzbicka's "natural semantic metalanguage", which puts forward the existence of certain semantic universals which allow us to compare the conceptual systems of different languages. This is in fact what enables the author to carry out his research in two different languages, namely Yankunytjatjara and Enga. Basically, he examines certain examples in these languages by looking at their literal and metaphorical sides. In doing so, he points to the importance of using a coherent methodology to provide a good semantic description. To conclude, the author emphasizes the significance of leaving aside the study of Western semantic systems and plunging into the analysis of non-Western semantic systems in order to obtain more fruitful results in relation to literal and metaphorical language. (Elena Ruiz Gil and Francisco Ruiz de Mendoza)