Book Note on Metaphors We Live By

悦悦悦

Reader: 赵悦
Reading Time: 3天
Reading Task: P4-14, Chapter1-3
Summary of the Content:
The book Metaphors We Live By posits a revolutionary idea that metaphors are far more than just rhetorical devices in language. They are the very foundation of our thought and behavior, exerting a profound influence on how we perceive and make sense of the world.
Conceptual metaphors operate through the mapping from a source domain to a target domain. For instance, in the metaphor “ARGUMENT IS WAR”, “war” serves as the source domain, which encompasses concepts like attack, defense, and strategy. “Argument” is the target domain. In daily conversations about arguments, we unconsciously adopt expressions derived from the concept of war, such as “He attacked my point of view” or “I defended my stance”, vividly demonstrating the pervasiveness of metaphors in our language and thinking.
Moreover, different cultures possess their unique metaphorical systems. These metaphors both reflect and shape the values and social structures within a culture. In some cultures, the metaphor of time as a precious resource has a direct impact on people’s pace of life and work attitude. It encourages them to cherish time and utilize it efficiently.
Evaluation:
The writing style of the book is characterized by its clarity and systematic approach. The authors manage to expound on complex theories through a wealth of real - life examples and accessible language, making abstract concepts highly comprehensible. By drawing extensively on common language phenomena to explain metaphorical concepts, readers can easily find counterparts in their daily lives, which significantly strengthens the persuasiveness and readability of the theory.
The theme of the book is innovative and far - reaching. It breaks through the traditional narrow rhetorical definition of metaphors in linguistics and elevates the understanding of metaphors to the cognitive level. This has opened up new frontiers for interdisciplinary research in linguistics, philosophy, and cognitive science.
The ideas presented in the book are profound and forward - looking. They reveal the crucial role of metaphors in all aspects of human cognition and social life, compelling us to re - examine the close relationship among language, thought, and culture. This provides a brand - new perspective for understanding human thinking patterns and social phenomena.
Reflection:
On a personal level, becoming aware of the omnipresence of metaphors in daily life has made me more attentive to the underlying thought patterns in my own language expressions. For example, when I use the metaphor “Life is a journey”, I instinctively view life as a process with a starting point, an ending point, and various stages in between. This perception affects how I set my life goals and my attitude when facing difficulties. Learning to actively employ positive metaphors to construct my perception of life enables me to face challenges more optimistically.
Regarding social issues, metaphors can be used to shape public opinions and the direction of public discourse. In political discourses, the use of specific metaphors to describe certain policies may guide the public to understand and support them in a particular way. This alerts us to be vigilant in identifying metaphors when receiving information, think critically about the intentions behind them, and avoid being misled. Additionally, when addressing social problems, choosing appropriate metaphors to describe the issues and propose solutions may more effectively promote public understanding and participation.