《英语词汇学--词义的变化》.ppt

There are three major groups of metaphors according to function and character: A. Anthropomorphic metaphors B. Animal metaphors C. Synaesthetic metaphors A. Anthropomorphic metaphors Many inanimate objects are compared to the parts of the human body. the eye of a needle 针眼 the eye of a potato马铃薯的芽眼 the eye of the hurricane 风眼 the eye of a flower 花心 the eye of a peacock’s tail孔雀翎斑 the eye of the revolution 革命中心 参见p.32 for More Examples B. Animal metaphors A great many inanimate objects, including various instruments, machines and parts of machines are called after an animal. Cat-o’-nine-tails; 九尾鞭；香蒲 Cat-ice: thin ice unsupported by water 薄冰 Catmint or catnip 猫薄荷 Catlap: slops, tea, etc. 稀薄饮料 Another large group of animal names can be transferred into words indicating persons. An ass: a stupid foolish person A pig:a dirty, greedy or ill-mannered person A mouse: a person, esp. A woman, who is quiet and timid A goose: a silly person, esp. female A cat: a nasty person A rat: a low worthless disloyal man A lion: a famous and important person A fox: a person who deceives others by means of clever tricks A tiger: a person like such an animal in fierceness, courage, etc. An owl: a wise-looking dullard. A mule: a stupid or obstinate person A dark horse: a person whose abilities are hidden A mule: a stupid or obstinate person An ape: a person who copies the behaviour of others A monkey: a child who is full of annoying playfulness and trick A parrot: a person who repeats, often without understanding, the words or actions of another C. Synaesthetic metaphors They are metaphors used to refer to direct association between the form and the meaning of language. This type of metaphor is based on the similarity of two things. warm or cold temperature warm or cold voice loud music loud colours sweet tea sweet sound or music piercing wind piercing sound a grave face grave news a stormy day a stormy quarrel s