Structural Metaphor

Structural metaphors conceptualize one complex concept, such as “argument,” in terms of another, more concrete concept, such as “war”. This involves mapping one concept onto another, creating a framework for understanding. Examples include ARGUMENT IS WAR (e.g., “attacking a position,” “defending a claim”) and TIME IS A RESOURCE (e.g., “I’m out of time,” “You’re wasting my time”).

Key characteristics

Mapping complex concepts: Structural metaphors are used to understand abstract or complex ideas by framing them in terms of simpler, more concrete ones. Creating a new understanding: They provide a new perspective and a structured way to talk about and think about the abstract concept.Common in language: They are widespread in everyday language and are fundamental to how we think, as illustrated by many common sayings. Examples of structural metaphors

ARGUMENT IS WAR: We can attack an opponent’s argument, defend our claims, and win or lose a debate.TIME IS A RESOURCE: Time is viewed as a limited commodity that can be saved, spent, or wasted.LOVE IS A JOURNEY: A relationship is seen as a path with “crossroads” or milestones.GOOD IS UP / BAD IS DOWN: This is seen in phrases like “I’m feeling up today” (happy) versus “He’s really low these days” (sad).

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.aieti.eu/enti/metaphor_ENG/entry.html

[2] https://www.datastudiesbibliography.org/blog/metaphors-of-data-and-data-as-a-metaphor

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8023340/

[4] https://proceedings.ums.ac.id/iseth/article/download/5584/4871/10469