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 Are there any you found odd, outdated, or different from metaphorical systems that you use, either personally or in your language, culture, or social sphere?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 a battle, or use orientational metaphors the same way the authors describe?

From my personal experience, there are many metaphorical in my culture. And Chinese poems are just perfectly made metaphorical in the most extreme way.  Now is autumn, it reminds me of one of the poems from Shi Su, there is one sentence is:一年好景君须记，最是橙黄橘绿时间。（explanation is: the best time for the whole year you have to remember, the best time is about having the yellow-orange, and orange color tangerines.) the author use the color to metaphor the season which is Autumn. it makes people have more impression about this poem. I think this is also the function why does metaphorically being excited.

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

A metaphorical system that I usually use are orientational metaphors. For instance, I used to describe no more shopping, I usually like to day cut off my hands. When I speak in these metaphors, I envision my life and behavior to display in one picture, what truly delivery my ambition of “no more shopping”, it bring out my emotional status. Furthermore to use cut off hand refer to quit of shopaholic is very common in China.

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 topicFor?

For my topic, I used “symbiotic bacteria”, metaphors refer to Migratory birds. because, symbiotic bacteria can survive as the same time with people, both of symbiotic bacteria and human being are act well. I just want t show people migratory birds can survive as symbiotic bacteria, can work smooth with the whole society.

• 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?

Since English is my first language, I found that all of the examples given in the text was directly relevant to the metaphors that are commonly used in my culture. I think that using battle terms or win/lose metaphors are very common in American culture, since our culture highly encourages competition. “Time is money” is a very common metaphor used in American culture, since we are a capitalist society and work around an hourly schedule.

• 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?

A metaphorical system that I commonly use are orientational metaphors. For instance, I often refer to my moods as being “up” or “down”. When I speak in these metaphors, I envision my life and emotions to be on a graph, where the baseline represents my content emotional state. Also often times, I refer to “up” being good and “down” being bad.

• 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?

For my topic, “bark”, metaphors are commonly used to describe its strength. For example, “…bark protect trees…” and “…bark is tough…”. While bark physically protects trees, we have found ways to use it medicinally, so I would I want to apply the metaphor of strength to our internal well-being also.

• 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 a battle, or use orientational metaphors the same way the authors describe?
  • A metaphorical system example that I use would be, argument. In my Jamaican culture, arguments are like battles or wars. However at certain points, we do reason, but for the most part, when listening to the arguments there are a lot of metaphors being thrown at each other. For example, “You are dense”, “You are on thin ice”. Arguments like those are to dominate the other.

• 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?
  • One commonly used metaphor system would be that in Jamaican culture, people will not openly refer to their dogs or cats as their “pets” however in the United States, the word “pets” has a valuable meaning behind it. Pets are considered companions or “part of the family, whereas, in Jamaica, dogs and cats have specific purposes to keep rodents and intruders away. They are not considered “companions, but are needed in the house. I think that growing up in America made me realize the difference between the two experiences.

• 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 would say for my topic of Taxidermy, that “preservation is life”. Many people use taxidermy as a way to preserve life, whether to study or in loving memory.

• 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?

“He’s living on borrowed time.” – Although understandable, “borrowed” means not his own time, means he’s dying. But I had not heard that metaphor in my language.

“He’s in top shape.” – Putting the words “top” and “shape” together makes me feel weird. Though I can guess it means he is in a good condition.

“He is my social inferior.” – I think it is outdated. Sounds like a rude statement…

• 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?

The central-peripheral and up-down system. When I want to talk about some complex concepts, a picture will appear in my mind and list the points. So important things are on the center of the picture. Or think about an onion rings structure, if we cut it in half, it’s a up-down structure.

About the change. Think about the half onion again, we can also say a core is at the bottom. So the change happens here: usually the important thing is on the top. But the foundation is also important. I can build a phrase “basic science is top science” to show the change or conflict here: both down and up mean the same thing. But from different angles.

• 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?

My topic is “border – salt”. I think the metaphor for salt here is a link. Other metaphors may be money (need it and seek for it), lubricant in the machine (not a main part of a machine but essential).

• 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 totally agree with Lakoff and Johnson about “argument is a war”. The metaphor of “argument is a war” influences how we conceive, understand and act on arguments because it is embedded in our culture and is part of our conceptual system, which has a strong cultural foundation. Metaphors construct concepts in our daily lives, and this construction is reflected in our ordinary literal language. When you use these metaphorical expressions, such as “we have to gamble” or “we have to make theoretical constructions,” people do not think you are using metaphors, but rather saying something ordinary and appropriate to the context. But the way you talk about, think about, and even experience these life situations is indeed constructed by metaphor.

• 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?

I couldn’t come up with my commonly use the metaphorical system but it reminds me of the differences between the Chinese metaphorical system and the US system. For example, “Dog” is considered a pet in the western countries, with a positive meaning, while in China it is considered derogatory, such as “walk dog”, he is a mad dog “biting everywhere”, etc.; and then, The different concepts of “dragon” in Chinese and English have given rise to the term “Four Little Tigers/Four Litter Dragons(in Chinese)”, which is used to describe four economically developed countries or regions in Asia to show that their economic power is booming. If translated directly as “four little dragons”, it would be an unlucky omen. “Dragon” in the Western conceptual system is a monster that hurts people, while “tiger” is a symbol of good luck and power. Therefore, I believe that metaphorical systems differ greatly in the conceptual systems of different cultural groups.

• 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?

As for satellites, there are also other metaphors like 1. company, people may use satellites to describe the company of their lovers/families. 2.Satellites countries/states/cities, which is a country that is formally independent in the world, but under heavy political, economic, and military influence or control from another country.

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）.

• 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 found it interesting that I use many of these metaphors, off the cuff without realizing the larger context and the feelings they may evoke, whether as a battle or transactional meaning. I have used every one of these metaphors, and if they are considered outdated, then I am behind the trend! I find it interesting that the battle connotation could come off as unintended, given how much these phrases are in everyday jargon. This reading has caused me to think deeper about an unintentional combative tone that I may be giving off with the words/phrases I choose even when using everyday/known phrasing.

• 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?

The orientational metaphors ring true the most for me in my everyday vocabulary. The term “down” usually insinuates low, depressed, and negative when thinking about using these differently, I am reminded of the connotation for  “down” that can also be used as “in” or “interested,” such as “I’m down for that” or “down for anything” has more of a positive, happy-go-lucky connotation.

• 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?

Orientational metaphors are the most notable, given the directional context of canals and borders, but I would argue that conduit metaphors are also used regularly since they express movement. Time is money would also ring true, to express the efficiency of shipping and commerce through canals or in the instance when a shipping canal becomes unusable or out of service, impacting the amount of time it takes for goods to get from point A to point B.

I understood everything discussed in the Lakoff + Johnson reading. However, since English is not my native language, while I understood all the examples given, I’m not sophisticated enough to come up with examples in English myself. The examples I’ll be given are all going to be in Mandarin or Japanese. I will try to do my best with translation but do take it with a grain of salt that it might not make perfect sense.

• 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? 

In Japanese, “空気を読む” (Kuuki wo yomu),  literal meaning “reading air,” is an important phrase to understand if one wants to truly understand the cultural trait of Japan. The phrase is taught to little kids as early as they can understand basic concepts, it is the expectation of one understanding all the societal rules without people telling you what to do. To give a basic example, in a Level-1 Japanese grammar book, one is usually going to practice a conversation like this to practice how to say “no” in Japan:

George: Would you like to go to the movie theater with me?

Mary: I would love to! When do you plan to go?

George: Awesome, how about this Saturday?

Mary: Ah, this Saturday? I got something important that day, unfortunately.

George: I see, what about Sunday?

Mary: Sunday is a little bit…

George: I see. No worries, we can always make a movie plan sometime in the future.

The important lesson from this conversation is:

1. While Mary probably did not want to go to a movie with George in the first place, she is expected to act excited about the invitation still.
2. When Mary said “Sunday is a little bit…” without giving an actual reason, George is expected to instantly understand Mary’s true feeling is to not go to the movie theater with him, and so he should stop asking, and make a vague promise about the future instead, so both can walk away politely.
3. It is important to never say a direct “no” to an invitation or agreement of any sort, as it’s considered extremely rude. Sometimes it can lead to serious miscommunication in international business as one party thought they got an agreement while the Japan-side thought they refused “clearly.”

Keep in mind this is something taught in many grammar textbooks, not from an etiquette book. Rules like this are considered grammar that you should follow in society rather than just a kind of personality.

Another classic example would be: if someone told you “your perfume smells so nice” in an elevator, in most western countries, it is probably safe to assume that it is a sincere compliment. However, in Japan, it is possible the true meaning of the phrase means “you should tone down the amount of your perfume usage, it is way too strong, I can smell you too clearly.”

• 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?

Having a partner from a different culture, I do find us having a different understanding of the same situation sometimes. The “arguing as war” example in the reading is a good example. The terms used to describe “disagreement,” “quarrel,” “dispute”, “debate”, “argue,” and “fight” in my native language can often be used interchangeably. Sometimes when my partner thinks we are just having a “peaceful conversation on things we have different opinions of,” I would already think we were in a “serious heated debate.” A more specific difference can be seen with the term “critical thinking.” While it’s a western term that is now being used frequently in university-level learning worldwide, the translation of the term in my native language, “批判性思維,” sounds very judgmental and negative by nature. It gives people who are not familiar with critical thinking a sense that it’s very “elitist,” and “rude,” as the term emphasizes more “criticism” instead of the term “critical.” Started as a translation issue, the idea of having “critical thinking” skills unfortunately became an unwelcome personality trait for many. Whenever I say the term “critical thinking” in my native language, I either try to explain the origin and the issue with translation first, or I chose to use other unofficial terms to replace it instead, hoping to avoid the negative connotation the official term brings to people.

• 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?

My topic, “puppets” itself is a metaphor for a specific political issue, some other metaphors I think of might be “棋盤上的棋子” (just a piece on the chessboard), proxy wars, etc.

• 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?

To me, the most outdated example was “Rational is up; Emotional is down”. I don’t think people really talk in those terms as much, and as a society, we are becoming increasingly receptive to and accepting of people’s emotions and emotional wellbeing. Rational is up implies that being rational is somehow better, and I’m not sure that that is always the accepted case anymore. 

I definitely do unconsciously think of most thinks in the same metaphorical systems shown by Lakoff and Johnson. The arguments as battle one is especially resonates with me since I grew up in a household of lawyers and arguments were definitely seen as battles. I think it’s a flawed approach though since (ideally) the goal of an argument is to come to a mutual understanding, having different opinions is okay.

• 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?

Maybe one is like solid is down airy/floaty (can’t think of another word) is up. “She’s light on her feet” vs “Sink like a stone”. Or “Head in the clouds” vs “Head in the ground”. This would probably derive from he fact that the solid things drop to the ground and light things float. 

• 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 wouldn’t say that my topic necissarily has an apparent metaphoric system, but certainly a landfill can be a metaphor for a lot of things. Examples: “This place is a dump”, “They were dumping all of their problems onto me”, “I dumped them”.