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STRUCTURAL AND SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH METAPHORS IN
TRANSPORT TERMINOLOGY
Bayimbetova S.
Nukus, Uzbekistan
the 3
rd
year Student, Berdakh Karakalpak State University
Keulimjaeva G.K.
Nukus, Uzbekistan
Scientific advisor
Abstrac
t: This paper aims to conduct a structural and semantic analysis of English
metaphors in transport terminology. Structural analysis involves identifying the different
elements that make up the metaphor and examining how they relate to each other.
Semantic analysis involves examining the meaning and implications of the metaphor in
the context of its use.
Keywords:
metaphors, transport terminology, structural analysis, semantic analysis,
source domain, target domain, traffic flow, bottleneck, transport systems
Metaphors are a powerful tool in language and communication, allowing people to
understand complex concepts by relating them to more familiar or concrete concepts. In
the field of transport terminology, metaphors are used extensively to convey meaning and
enhance communication between professionals and non-professionals. Understanding the
structure and semantics of these metaphors is essential to improving our understanding of
transport systems and developing effective strategies for managing them. This paper aims
to conduct a structural and semantic analysis of English metaphors in transport
terminology.
Methodology:
The study analyzed a corpus of English texts on transport
terminology, including technical reports, academic papers, and industry publications. The
texts were selected based on their relevance to the study of transport systems and their
use of metaphors. The study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods
to analyze the metaphors, including structural analysis and semantic analysis.
Results:
The study found that English metaphors in transport terminology use a
variety of source and target domains. The most common source domains were fluid
dynamics, physics, and biology, while the most common target domains were traffic
flow, congestion, and network connectivity. The study also found that the meaning and
implications of these metaphors were closely tied to the specific context in which they
were used. For example, the metaphor of «traffic flow» implies a dynamic and fluid
process that can be influenced by external factors, while the metaphor of «bottleneck»
implies a constriction or blockage that can be alleviated by changes to the system or user
behavior.
Discussion:
The study’s findings have important implications for the study and
management of transport systems. By understanding the structure and semantics of
English metaphors in transport terminology, researchers and practitioners can improve
their understanding of transport systems and develop more effective strategies for
managing them. For example, the use of metaphors such as «traffic flow» can help
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researchers to model and predict the behavior of transport systems, while the use of
metaphors such as «bottleneck» can help practitioners to identify and address congestion
hotspots.
Definition and Functions of Metaphors:
Metaphors are a type of figurative
language in which a word or phrase is used to describe something by comparing it to
something else. They are used to make abstract concepts more concrete and accessible by
relating them to familiar experiences or objects. Metaphors serve several functions,
including highlighting similarities between two seemingly unrelated things, providing a
way to describe complex or abstract concepts, creating imagery that can be easily
understood and remembered, and providing a way to express emotions and attitudes.
Structural Elements of Metaphors:
Metaphors have two structural elements: the
source domain and the target domain. The source domain is the concept being used to
describe the target domain, while the target domain is the concept being described. For
example, in the metaphor «life is a journey,» life is the target domain and journey is the
source domain. The source domain is often more concrete and tangible than the target
domain, which is usually abstract and intangible. The relationship between the source and
target domains is what creates the metaphorical meaning.
Metaphors can be expressed in language in several ways, including similes,
metaphorical language, and conceptual metaphors. Similes are a type of metaphor that
uses the words «like» or «as» to make the comparison. For example, «her eyes were like
diamonds» is a simile. Metaphorical language is when a word or phrase is used in a non-
literal sense to convey a metaphorical meaning. For example, «the wheels of justice» is a
metaphorical use of the word «wheels.» Conceptual metaphors are metaphors that are
deeply embedded in the way we think and talk about the world. For example, the
metaphor «argument is war» is a conceptual metaphor that shapes the way we think about
and talk about arguments.
Semantic Aspects of Metaphors:
Metaphors serve several cognitive and
communicative functions. They can help us understand abstract concepts by relating
them to concrete experiences, and they can help us remember information by creating
vivid and memorable images. Metaphors can also facilitate communication.
Structural Analysis of English Metaphors in Transport Terminology:
The
structural analysis of metaphors involves identifying the linguistic features used in the
metaphorical expression. In the transport industry, metaphors are used to convey complex
ideas in a concise and easy-to-understand manner. For instance, «traffic jam» is a
metaphor that describes the slow movement of vehicles on a road. The metaphor
compares the movement of vehicles to the movement of a jam, which is thick and slow.
Another example is the metaphor «road map,» which is used to describe a plan of
action for achieving a particular goal. The metaphor compares the plan to a map, which
provides a guide for navigating an unfamiliar territory.
The following are the structural types of metaphors used in transport terminology:
1 Vehicle-Based Metaphors:
This type of metaphor uses the structure of a
vehicle to explain technical concepts. For example, the metaphor «the transport system is
a well-oiled machine» uses the structure of a machine to describe a smooth and efficient
transport system.
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2 Motion-Based Metaphors:
This type of metaphor uses the concept of motion to
explain technical concepts. For example, the metaphor «the car is a rocket on wheels»
uses the concept of speed and motion to describe the speed of a car.
3 Journey-Based Metaphors:
This type of metaphor uses the concept of a
journey to explain technical concepts. For example, the metaphor «the transport system is
a journey from A to B» uses the concept of a journey to describe the movement of people
or goods from one place to another.
Semantic Analysis of English Metaphors in Transport Terminology:
The
semantic analysis of metaphors involves identifying the meaning of the metaphorical
expression. In the transport industry, metaphors are used to describe complex ideas and
concepts in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. For example, the metaphor «smooth
sailing» is used to describe a situation where things are going well. The metaphor
compares the situation to a ship sailing smoothly on calm waters.
The following are the semantic types of metaphors used in transport terminology:
1 Function-Based Metaphors:
This type of metaphor describes the function of
the technical concept. For example, the metaphor «the engine is the heart of the car»
describes the function of the engine in a car.
2 Quality-Based Metaphors:
This type of metaphor describes the quality of the
technical concept. For example, the metaphor «the transport system is a well-oiled
machine» describes the quality of a smooth and efficient transport system.
3 Quantity-Based Metaphors:
This type of metaphor describes the quantity of
the technical concept. For example, the metaphor «the transport system is a flood of
people» describes the quantity of people using the transport system.
In conclusion, the study has conducted a structural and semantic analysis of
English metaphors in transport terminology. The study found that these metaphors use a
variety of source and target domains, and that their meaning and implications are closely
tied to the specific context in which they are used. By understanding these elements,
researchers and practitioners can improve their understanding of transport systems and
develop more effective strategies for managing them. The study’s findings have
important implications for the study and management of transport systems and highlight
the importance of metaphors in language and communication.
REFERENCES
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4. Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors we live by. University of Chicago Press.
5. McNeill, D. (2005). Gesture and thought. University of Chicago Press.
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