Code and Inference in metaphor comprehension: interpretation of metaphorical language in Dante's Inferno by Italians and Australians
Author
Summary, in Swedish
This thesis investigates the interpretation of metaphorical expressions in Dante’s famous Inferno and how this may be motivated through the use of codes and inference. Based on Coseriu’s Integral Linguistics (Coseriu, 1985), metaphorical expressions can be divided depending on the kind of knowledge that is required to interpret them. The first level is the universal level where metaphors can be interpreted based on potentially universal knowledge and bodily experiences. The second is the historical level requiring shared codes and cultural knowledge. The last is the situated level which requires highly specific knowledge.
Given this distinction, it was hypothesized that Italians and Australians would be able to easily interpret Inferno metaphors at the universal level while they would find it harder to interpret metaphors at the situated level. The historical level is where a difference between the two groups should be mostly noticeable: If metaphors at the historical level are indeed based on shared codes and cultural knowledge, their interpretation should be easier for Italians than for Australians. An empirical study was designed to test these predictions. The results suggest the validity of the hypotheses, and the study shows the potential to combine quantitative analysis with qualitative research in cognitive semiotics.
Given this distinction, it was hypothesized that Italians and Australians would be able to easily interpret Inferno metaphors at the universal level while they would find it harder to interpret metaphors at the situated level. The historical level is where a difference between the two groups should be mostly noticeable: If metaphors at the historical level are indeed based on shared codes and cultural knowledge, their interpretation should be easier for Italians than for Australians. An empirical study was designed to test these predictions. The results suggest the validity of the hypotheses, and the study shows the potential to combine quantitative analysis with qualitative research in cognitive semiotics.
Department/s
- Master's Programme: Language and Linguistics
Publishing year
2016
Language
English
Full text
Document type
Student publication for Master's degree (one year)
Topic
- Languages and Literatures
Keywords
- Keywords: cognitive semiotics
- cultural knowledge
- meaning
- metaphor
- specific knowledge
- universal knowledge
Supervisor
- Jordan Zlatev (Docent)
- Joost van de Weijer (Dr)