RU
Philology. Theory & Practice
  • Original research article
  • September 18, 2025
  • Open access

The metaphorical image of the English language in contemporary English-language linguodidactic discourse

Full
text RU

Abstract

The study aims to identify the specifics of the metaphorical representation of the image of the English language in contemporary English-language linguodidactic discourse. For the first time, the set of conceptual metaphors that form the image of the English language in modern English-language linguodidactic discourse has been identified and systematically described, as well as their hierarchy and functional significance. Novelty is also determined by the application of a broad understanding of metaphor within the communicative-discursive paradigm to the investigation of this image, which is methodologically valuable. The research material comprises English-language works on linguodidactics: articles and textbooks for English language teachers. The study established that the metaphorical image of a foreign language in this discourse is primarily realized through four dominant conceptual source domains: JOURNEY/PATH, WAR/CONFLICT, BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES (LIFE/DEATH, GROWTH) and FOOD. The metaphorical model JOURNEY/PATH stands out in terms of functional significance and frequency, forming a positive and dynamic image of language acquisition. It was revealed that these models not only represent the understanding of the language but also perform strategic functions: constructing positive/negative evaluations of approaches, legitimizing innovations, mobilizing the teaching community, and lowering the affective barrier among learners.

Research materials

  1. Dellar H., Walkley A. Grammar Nonsense and What to Do About It. Eugene: Wayzgoose Press, 2020.
  2. Dellar H., Walkley A. Teaching Lexically. Principles and Practices. Peaslake: Delta Publishing, 2016.
  3. Harmer J. The Practice of English Language Teaching. 5th ed. Harlow: Longman, 2015.
  4. IATEFL Conference. https://www.iatefl.org/
  5. Selivan L. Lexical Grammar. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018.

References

  1. Будаев Э. В., Чудинов А. П. Метафора в политическом интердискурсе. Екатеринбург: Уральский государственный педагогический университет, 2006.
  2. Будаев Э. В., Чудинов А. П. Современная российская политическая метафорология (2011-2020 гг.) // Филологический класс. 2020. Т. 25. № 2. https://doi.org/10.26170/FK20-02-09
  3. Лакофф Дж., Джонсон М. Метафоры, которыми мы живем. М.: Едиториал УРСС, 2004.
  4. Олянич А. В., Копылова В. В. Лингводидактический дискурс // Дискурс-Пи. 2015. Т. 12. № 3-4.
  5. Ричардс А. Философия риторики // Теория метафоры: сборник / пер. с англ., фр., нем., исп., польск. яз.; сост. Н. Д. Арутюнова. М.: Прогресс, 1990.
  6. Чудинов А. П. Политическая лингвистика. Изд-е 4-е. М.: Флинта; Наука, 2012.
  7. Abdul Malik N., Ya Shak M. S., Mohamad F., Joharry S. A. Corpus-based Studies of Metaphor: An Overview // Arab World English Journal. 2022. Vol. 13. No. 2. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol13no2.36
  8. Beréndi M., Csábi S., Kovecses Z. Using conceptual metaphors and metonymies in vocabulary teaching // Applications of Cognitive Linguistics. 2008. Vol. 6. № 65.
  9. Cameron L. Metaphor in Educational Discourse. L.: A&C Black, 2003.
  10. Deignan A. A Corpus Linguistic Perspective on the Relationship Between Metonymy and Metaphor // Style. 2005. Vol. 39. No. 1.
  11. Deignan A., Gabryś D., Solska A. Teaching English Metaphors Using Cross-Linguistic Awareness-Raising Activities // ELT Journal. 1997. Vol. 51. No. 4.
  12. Dörnyei Z. New Themes and Approaches in Second Language Motivation Research // Annual Review of Applied Linguistics. 2001. No. 21.
  13. Ellis R. Understanding Second Language Acquisition. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015.
  14. Kövecses Z. Conceptual Metaphor Theory: Some Criticisms and Alternative Proposals // Annual Review of Cognitive Linguistics. 2008. No. 6.
  15. Kövecses Z. Extended Conceptual Metaphor Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108859127
  16. Kövecses Z. Metaphor: A Practical Introduction. N. Y.: Oxford University Press, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047404503254051
  17. Lakoff G., Johnson M. Metaphors We Live By. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1980.
  18. Littlemore J., Low G. Metaphoric Competence, Second Language Learning, and Communicative Language Ability // Applied Linguistics. 2006. Vol. 27. No. 2.
  19. O’Reilly D., Yan L. Playing with second language metaphor: An exploration with advanced Chinese learners of English // Applied Linguistics. 2025. Vol. 46. No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amad067
  20. Steen G. Deliberate Metaphor Theory: Basic Assumptions, Main Tenets, Urgent Issues // Intercultural Pragmatics. 2017. Vol. 14. No. 1.
  21. Steen G. J. The Contemporary Theory of Metaphor – Now New and Improved! // Review of Cognitive Linguistics. 2011. Vol. 9. No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1075/ml.9.1.03ste
  22. Vahdani-Sanavi R., Demirkol T. Understanding Language Learners’ Perceptions of Teachers’ Roles in Online Education: A Metaphor Analysis // SAGE Open. 2024. Vol. 14. No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241226657

Author information

Timofey Vitalievich Leonov

Higher School of Economics, Moscow

About this article

Publication history

  • Received: August 17, 2025.
  • Published: September 18, 2025.

Keywords

  • метафорическое моделирование
  • концептуальная метафора
  • преднамеренная метафора
  • метафорический образ английского языка
  • лингводидактический дискурс
  • metaphorical modelling
  • conceptual metaphor
  • deliberate metaphor
  • metaphorical image of the English language
  • linguodidactic discourse

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)
© 2025 Gramota Publishing, LLC

User license

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)