METAPHOR: A PHENOMENON OF THOUGHT

Abstract

This article interprets metaphor not merely as a rhetorical device, but as a fundamental cognitive mechanism of human thinking. It explores the close relationship between metaphor, language, and cognition, emphasizing its role in understanding and conceptualizing abstract notions. Drawing on Aristotle’s classical views and the conceptual metaphor theory developed by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, the paper analyzes the mapping process between source and target domains. Examples from different languages and cultures demonstrate that metaphor reflects cultural worldview and primarily functions as a phenomenon of thought rather than solely a linguistic expression.