Communication Theory | Applying Meaning To Real World Situations

          We need metaphors to communicate in understandable ways; it is how we make sense of the world. Similar to cross-domain mapping, Lakoff explains metaphors in many different ways. Conceptual mapping is one thing that Lakoff highlights in his contemporary theory but overall, there are several ways in which metaphors are utilized even though we may assume they are relatively limited in use. Lakoff thinks one of the most common uses of metaphor relates to our experiences; this is where conceptual mapping comes in, “[M]etaphor is a major and indispensable part of our ordinary, conventional way of conceptualizing the world, and that our everyday behavior reflects our metaphorical understanding of experience.” (Lakoff 1992) Sometimes our ideas or stories are not as clearly understood as we wish; thus, we occasionally use metaphors to help others understand; this is Lakoff’s idea of conceptual mapping at work.

          Lakoff defines conceptual mapping similar to cross-domain mapping. Through the process of association, we create maps, or patterns, through which we relate one thing to another that may not necessarily be applicable. In his example, Lakoff uses the popular metaphorical expression that love is a journey; “English has many everyday expressions that are based on a conceptualization of love as a journey, and they are used not just for talking about love, but for reasoning about it as well.” (Lakoff 1992)

          In comparison, Marcel Danesi, Professor of Semiotics and Linguistic Anthropology at the University of Toronto, believes, “Lakoff and Johnson trace the psychological source of conceptual metaphors to image schemas.” (Danesi 2004 p. 122) In the book Metaphors Signs and Meanings on Metaphor, Danesi also implies, “image schema theory suggests that the source domains enlisted in delivering an abstract topic were not chosen originally in an arbitrary fashion, but derived from the experience of events.” (Danesi 2004 p. 122) This concept may seem hard to understand at first because we have become so accustomed to the use of metaphors in everyday language. Yet Danesi explains, “We do not detect the presence of metaphorical reasoning in such common expressions because of repeated usage. For example, we no longer interpret the word see in sentences such as ‘I don’t see what you mean,’ ‘Do you see what I’m saying?’ in metaphorical terms, because such uses of see have become so familiar to us.” (Danesi 2004 p. 124)

          There are many strengths and weaknesses when it comes to metaphors. They give us a means through which we can provide better descriptions of our ideas and experiences. Metaphors are also positive because they help other people relate to our stories. In this way they can be used to persuade others since they provide a common ground of understanding. However, metaphors can also be negative because they are so easily overlooked. Lakoff’s analysis of the word “see” is a good example. When a metaphor is used to often it loses its meaning and it becomes ineffective. For example, if I ask a friend for feedback on my idea for a class assignment and he states, “that’s golden,” then I would feel pretty good about myself. However, if he says the same thing every time I ask for feedback, the metaphor loses it’s meaning and affects me less each time it is used. Not to mention, in some rare cases metaphors can become a barrier if they are used incorrectly. For example, if I use depression as a metaphor while talking to someone that has experienced it, it is possible they may disagree with me on the basis that I used a word that is more sentimental to them in a way they do not approve.

          This is one reason why it is so hard to measure metaphors and their value to the English language. Crucially, we use metaphors so often that we sometimes do not even realize when we are using them. Rap and Hip Hop music do this especially well. Even when it does not seem like artists are speaking in metaphors they probably are. According to Ruben, West and Mitchell’s Differences in Aggression, Attitudes Toward Women, and Distrust as Reflected in Popular Music Preferences, “Prinsky and Rosenbaum concluded that the respondents interpreted lyrics literally and usually did not understand symbolism and metaphors in lyrics.” (Ruben West & Mitchell 2001 p. 28) Metaphorical power should not be underestimated, especially in relation to Lakoff’s book Metaphors We Live By. He says, “If we are right in suggesting that our conceptual system is largely metaphorical, then the way we think what we experience, and what we do every day is very much a matter of metaphor.” (Lakoff 1980) Our actions, perspectives, and attitudes are all at risk of being affected by metaphors. Metaphorical content is powerfully and commonly used yet it simply goes unrecognized due to over-usage. This is another weakness. However, the weaknesses are outweighed by the strength of metaphorical expressions to relate and be understood.

          The Contemporary Theory of Metaphor can be applied to many different areas, but it seems most prevalent in rap music and its culture. For the sake of understanding this writing we will use Eminem as an example. The controversial rapper often speaks through metaphors in order to give his fans a way to relate with his lyrics. In the end of his song Bad Guy he raps, “I'm the nightmare you fell asleep in and woke up still in. I'm your karma closing in with each stroke of a pen.” (Eminem 2013) These are visual descriptions of action plotted out through the use of metaphors. According to Berman and Brown, “The earliest stories were probably chants or songs of praise for the natural world in pagan times. Later, dance and music accompanied stories.” (Berman & Brown 2000 p. 3) Storytellers use metaphors and music as avenues through which they can share their stories effectively. Combining metaphors and music only seems appropriate in most cases. As mentioned earlier, metaphors help people relate, and when set to music they can become increasingly powerful. As Eminem’s song continues he raps, "’I am your lack of a conscience’ I’m the ringing in your ears. I’m the polyps on the back of your tonsils. Eating your vocal chords after your concerts. I’m your time that’s almost up that you haven’t acknowledged.” (Eminem 2013) Eminem uses metaphors just like Lakoff explains, “as language.” In fact, in his song Almost Famous Eminem raps, “I step strapped with a pen. Metaphors wrote on my hand. Some are just stored in my memory, some I wrote on a napkin. I do what I have to to win.” (Eminem 2010) Consequently, Eminem might not be as popular if he did not use metaphors because his fans would find it harder to relate with his lyrics; if you take out all the metaphors there is practically nothing left.

            In conclusion, we have reviewed the basics of Lakoff’s Contemporary Theory of Metaphor. We have looked at comparisons from other literary criticisms and reviews. We then compared the positive and negative aspects of the theory, and finally we finished up by talking about a realistic application in which Eminem uses metaphors to communicate through music. Ultimately, we will probably use metaphors as language whether we know it or not. It helps us communicate relationally and visually by attaching meaning to things that are hard to understand. Metaphors are very powerful if they are used correctly, therefore it should be noted that the contemporary theory of metaphor is not something to be overlooked.