Metaphor Analysis

The following entry defines metaphors as comparisons of two unlike things that are experienced and understood in relation to each other. In other words, in metaphors, one thing is transformed into the qualities of a second thing. Because of this transformational process, metaphors function to create reality, supply a mechanism of defining different realities, indicate shifts in social change, and offer a vocabulary for thoughts and feelings. Communication researchers have argued that people have scripts or schemas for enacting conflict (e.g., fight versus flight). Metaphoric analysis can help one understand how people perceive themselves and others. As such, there is much to be gained by examining linguistic choices and specifically, the adoption of metaphors.