Metaphor, genre and recontextualization

Semino, Elena and Deignan, Alice and Littlemore, Jeannette (2013) Metaphor, genre and recontextualization. Metaphor and Symbol, 28 (1). pp. 41-59. ISSN 1092-6488

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Abstract

Earlier studies have demonstrated the dynamic properties of metaphor by showing how the meanings and functions of metaphorical expressions can flexibly change and develop within individual texts or discourse events (Cameron 2011). In this paper, we draw from Linell’s (2009) typology of ‘recontextualization’ in order to analyze the development of particular metaphors in three pairs of linked texts, each produced over a number of years, on the topics of medicine, politics and the parenting of children with special needs. We show how key metaphorical expressions from earlier texts or conversations are re-used by later writers, in different genres and registers, to convey new meanings and serve new functions. We account for these new meanings and functions by considering the relevant domain of activity and the differences between the original context of use and the context(s) in which the metaphor is re-used. Our study contributes, from a diachronic perspective, to the growing body of literature that recognizes the dynamic and context-bound nature of metaphorical language.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Metaphor and Symbol
Additional Information:
The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Metaphor and Symbol, 28 (1), 2014, © Informa Plc
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/core/keywords/englishlanguageandlinguistics
Subjects:
?? english language and linguisticscommunicationlinguistics and languageexperimental and cognitive psychologyp philology. linguistics ??
ID Code:
53867
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
02 May 2012 08:11
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
20 Jan 2024 00:10