Conceptual metaphors in South African political speeches (1994 - 2001)
2008; Stellenbosch University; Volume: 38; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
2223-9936
Autores Tópico(s)Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies
ResumoMetaphor in conceptual metaphor theory as developed by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson (1980) is not merely a rhetorical device but is seen as a structuring device of human thought. This study considers conceptual metaphors within the wider framework of conceptual blending theory (cf., e.g., Fauconnier 1997; Fauconnier and Turner 2002) in which they find themselves as one possible type of blend. The study is based on the assumption that one can deduce basic ways of thinking about and dealing with certain issues from how these issues are talked about, that is, one can get at the roots of how certain concepts are understood, even thought, by looking at metaphorical expressions used in connection with them. This theory is applied here to political speeches given between 1994 and 2001 by five prominent South African politicians of three major parties, namely the African National Congress (ANC), the New National Party (NNP), and the Democratic Alliance (DA): Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Frederick de Klerk, Tony Leon and Marthinus van Schalkwyk. The aim of this study is to detect underlying conceptualisations of key issues and concepts of the early years of the democratic South Africa with special focus on the topics of racism, reconciliation, democracy, nation and the ANC. The paper also considers differences and similarities between conceptualisations, and possible clashes across parties and individual politicians.
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