Author(s)

Qingkun Lin ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ College of Foreign Languages, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China

Corresponding Author

Qingkun Lin

ABSTRACT

Conceptual metaphor theory posits that metaphors are cognitive phenomena shaping our understanding of the world, not just linguistic tools. This essay explores the metaphor "Love is a Journey" within this framework, analyzing its grounding in embodied experiences and its impact on understanding love. Like mapping, projection, embodied simulation, and conceptual integration play key roles in shaping language, thought, and perception. While the theory contributes significantly, critics challenge its universality and call for more empirical support. Counterarguments suggest alternative perspectives on love, such as an existential state or a state of being, and emphasize cultural and personal variations. Recognizing these perspectives enriches our understanding of metaphorical concepts in the realm of romantic relationships, highlighting the complexity and diversity of human experiences.

KEYWORDS

Conceptual metaphor theory; Cognitive linguistics; Love is a Journey; Cognitive processes

CITE THIS PAPER

Qingkun Lin, Exploration of Conceptual Metaphor Theory in Cognitive Linguistics. Lecture Notes on Language and Literature (2024) Vol. 7: 80-86. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/langl.2024.070113.

REFERENCES

[1] Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors We Live By. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
[2] Jiang Jing. (2008). The Impact of Source Language Concepts in Metaphorization. Fudan University. 
[3] Brandt, L. (2013). Metaphor and the Communicative Mind [J]. SSRN Electronic Journal.
[4] Pu, J., & Fang, H. (2020). A Study of Conceptual Metaphors in Economic Reports. US-China Foreign Language, 18(5): 5.
[5] Liping Zhang. (2022). Research on the Construction of the Meaning of Shandong Image on the Cover of Towards the World from a Multimodal Metaphor Perspective. Liaoning University. 
[6] Kovecses Z. (2010). Metaphor: A Practical Introduction. A Practical Introduction.
[7] Xin Zhang. (2021). Development and Critiques of Conceptual Metaphor Theory. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 11(11). 

Sponsors, Associates, and Links

---

• Journal of Language Testing & Assessment
  
  
• Information and Knowledge Management
  
  
• Military and Armament Science
  
  
• Media and Communication Research
  
  
• Journal of Human Movement Science
  
  
• Art and Performance Letters
  
  
• Lecture Notes on History
  
  
• Philosophy Journal
  
  
• Science of Law Journal
  
  
• Journal of Political Science Research
  
  
• Journal of Sociology and Ethnology
  
  
• Advances in Broadcasting