chapter 4

小石卒

Summary:
Chapter 4 focuses on orientational metaphors. These metaphors organize a system of concepts based on spatial orientations like up - down, in - out, etc. For example, "HAPPY IS UP" is shown through expressions such as "I'm feeling up today". These metaphors are not arbitrary; they have a basis in our physical and cultural experiences. Physical postures related to emotions, like an erect posture for a positive emotional state, ground the "HAPPY IS UP" metaphor. Also, different cultures may vary in how they orient concepts spatially. Overall, these metaphors help structure our fundamental concepts and there is an internal and external systematicity among them, which is related to our physical and cultural experiences.
Reflection:
This chapter made me realize how deeply spatial orientations are ingrained in our understanding of abstract concepts. In my daily life, I often use expressions like "I'm on top of the world" when I'm happy, without even thinking about the underlying metaphor. This shows that orientational metaphors are not just theoretical but are actively used in our communication. Also, learning about cultural differences in these metaphors is eye - opening. It makes me more aware that the way I perceive and express concepts might not be the same for everyone. For example, if the future is oriented differently in other cultures, it can lead to misunderstandings in cross - cultural communication. So, in a globalized world, understanding these cultural variations in orientational metaphors is crucial for better communication and avoiding misinterpretations.