Conceptual Metaphors(Cont'd.)

More information about the use of conceptual metaphors in politics:

Lakoff & Johnson (1980)

“Metaphor is pervasive in everyday life, not just in language but in thought and action. Our ordinary conceptual system, in terms of which we both think and act, is fundamentally metaphorical in nature.” (p.287)

“The way we think, what we experience, and what we do every day is very much a matter of metaphor.“ (p.287)

Lakoff suggests that metaphors, being an integral part of our lives, are therefore an essential part in conversation and arguments, including political ones

Therefore, he asserts that the use of conceptual metaphors in political speeches are an important factor in influencing the minds and actions of voters, in lieu with what our project aims to achieve.

Charteris-Black (2004)

“Metaphors are powerful vehicles of persuasion. Used as a bridge between the familiar and the literal, they transfer meaning from what is easily understood to more complex concepts that are harder to grasp.” (p.38)

“Metaphor provides the link between the unconsciously implicit understandings of people (be it historical, cultural, physical, etc.) and the explicit ideology and policies of a politician.“ (p.64)

 “Politicians are able to represent their beliefs and their policies as heroic tasks and themselves as epic heroes.’ Likewise, they are able to demonize their enemies and depict opposing policies as villainous.“ (p.90)

Charteris-Black asserts that politicians can use conceptual metaphors as an effective tool to communicate with their audience and persuade them, as well as attack their opponents effectively, which highlights the importance of conceptual metaphors in political discourse.

Chilton (2004)

“The political process typically involves persuasion and bargaining” (p.15)

“Language and politics are intimately linked at a fundamental level.“ (p. 54)

“Political activity does not exist without the use of language…But the doing of politics is predominantly constituted in language.“ (p. 68)

Chilton argues that  politics is interlinked with language. As such, the use of language devices, in this case, conceptual metaphors are therefore instrumental in persuading and connecting with the audience, and a part of politics