Three dimensions of metaphor in education
Main Article Content
Abstract
Metaphor serves as a powerful tool to reveal the intrinsic relationship between language and human thought, as well as between language use and individual cognition. Despite extensive research on metaphor in general linguistics, its specific roles in the context of education remain underexplored, particularly regarding its multidimensional functions in human activity. This study aims to examine the roles of metaphor in educational practice through a combination of diachronic and horizontal approaches. It focuses on three dimensions: dissemination of thought, clarification of thought, and research on thought. The methodology involves a detailed analysis of these dimensions, supported by theoretical principles and relevant scientific literature, illustrated with concrete examples. Findings indicate that metaphor has long been integral to educational practice, enhancing understanding, communication, and knowledge construction. Its enduring use underscores its effectiveness in facilitating social interaction and cognitive development. The study highlights the importance of integrating metaphorical analysis in educational research and practice to foster a more nuanced understanding of teaching and learning processes.
Keywords: Cognition; education; human thought; metaphor; language.
Downloads
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).