Fish hooks and gumboots: the language of pregnancy prevention in northern Malawi

摘要

Language and metaphors are central mechanisms of the human mind and thought processes, and allow us to draw on existing social or physical experiences to make sense of novel concepts.1 Metaphors are not simply linguistic tools; they are deeply rooted and structured in cultural backgrounds and can shape our understandings, perceptions and actions. Different cultures can have different views about the life-course, reproduction and preventing pregnancy,2 and these views are reflected in the use of language when talking about contraception.