An experimental analysis of metaphorical thinking in relation to idiomatic expressions

Idiomatic expressions contain elements of human essence, in the form of cultural markers, aspects of tradition, remembrances of the past, collective mentalities, cognitive patterns and figurative thinking. The investigation of idioms from different languages can highlight resemblances and contrast between people and cultures. Given that the nature of idioms is mainly metaphoric, it is interesting to analyze how language users decode their figurative meaning, particularly how non-native speakers interpret the metaphorical significance of idioms from foreign languages. This experiment focuses on the mechanisms of metaphorical thinking, emphasizing the role of accessing symbolic and conceptual knowledge or interpreting references in the use and understanding of idiomatic expressions.

Full Text