Metaphor in Action in Political Discourse

摘要

More and more metaphors are employed in different patterns of discourses, especially in political discourses. Politics is inseparable with metaphors. This thesis makes an analysis of the functions of metaphors in political discourses from three aspects, namely, the stylistic function, the cognitive function and the social function. Vivid expression, succinct wording, clear meaning and easy understanding contribute to the stylistic function of metaphors in political discourses. For the cognitive function, metaphors have the function of guiding perception, structuralizing experience and creating new insight. The social function is that through the use of metaphors, a political discourse may easily inform people by stirring their emotions. Metaphors can serve as a persuasive device in political discourses and debates. Also, metaphors can create a sense of consolidation among people and thus mobilize people into the war. In addition, metaphors may deceive people by disguising or embellishing something. Metaphor and politics are closely interwoven. Graber once said that political communication is the "lifeblood or mother's milk of politics because communication is the essential activity that links the various parts of society together and allows them to function as an integrated whole" (Graber, 1993:305). As Edelman (1977) contended, at the core of political communication is the ability of the politician to use metaphor and symbols that awaken potential tendencies among the masses.