What is a linguistic-form-as-spatial metaphor?

A conventional metaphor in which linguistic elements are represented as occupying locations in physical space, as expressed in some forms of discourse deixis.

Here are some examples in English:

• Now there's a good point.
• Here comes the best part.
• I'm lost.
• Can we go back to your last point?

• What is a nearest-as-first metaphor?

• What is a metaphor in grammar?

Lakoff, G. and Johnson 1980, Lakoff, G. 1987

• Concept module: linguistic-form-as-spatial metaphor
• In modular book: Metaphors in English, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H. Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
• In bookshelf: Lexicon

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 18 September 1998

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