Metaphors We Live By

Lakoff + Johnson give several examples throughout the text of linguistic metaphorical systems. Are there any you found odd, outdated, or different from metaphorical systems that you use, either personally or in your language, culture, or social sphere? For instance, do you speak about conversation as battle, or use orientational metaphors the same way the authors describe?

I think “UNKNOWN IS UP; KNOWN IS DOWN” is very strange to me. Because UP is an upward performance, I have gained knowledge, so I am very happy (HAPPINESS IS UP). My knowledge reserves have increased (MORE IS UP), so I think it is better that the two should be the opposite.

Can you identify a metaphorical system that you commonly use? What do you think is the motivating rationale (“experiential basis”) behind that system – or is there one? Have you ever intentionally (or unintentionally) changed the metaphorical system that you use to speak about a certain subject, to reflect a different experience or worldview?

When I make money, I will say that my wallet is bulging. When I have no money, I will say that my wallet is flat. This is actually a very vivid metaphor system. I also use the obvious physical basis. Because the more money you put in your wallet, the bigger your wallet will be. Although people now use electronic wallets, this view has been inherited.

In China, when a person is uncomfortable, we often say drink more hot water and more plain water. In fact, let him have a good rest. But this is not applicable in other countries. You may not have the habit of hot water, so I may directly say let him have a good rest without metaphor.

What metaphors/systems of metaphor are commonly used when discussing your topic? If “the essence of a metaphor is understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another” (5), what other kinds of metaphors might be useful for discussing your topic, or an aspect of your topic?

I think that in the theme of yoga, the cultural basis and physical basis will be used more. Because yoga is about inhaling and exhaling. In fact, it represents UP and exhaling represents DOWN. Inhale health（MORE IS UP）, exhale worry（LESS IS DOWN）.