Chess Metaphors in American English and Hungarian

摘要

This study investigates the range and importance of source domains that are drawn on in the metaphorical expressions used to describe a chess game or a chess event in two languages, American English and Hungarian. Results show that about half of the source domains overlap in the two languages and that both languages use domains that are employed for other games and sports as well. At the same time, less explored source domains also emerge. Motivation for the findings is discussed in terms of the possible effects of culture, subculture, embodiment, and language. The theoretical implications of the study include an argument for the benefits of a data-based source domain analysis at the expense of focusing on conceptual metaphors. Moreover, the data suggest that an empirical investigation of metaphorical expressions may challenge the notion of universal conceptual metaphors that build on the narrow, bodily experience sense of embodiment.