What is an argument-as-journey metaphor?

A conventional metaphor in which argument is represented as a journey along a path.

Here are some examples in English:

• We have set out to prove that bats are birds.
• Do you follow my argument?
• I'm lost.
• You're going around in circles.
• We have already covered those points.
• You're getting off the subject.
• You're really onto something there.

• What is a metaphor for argument?

Lakoff, G. and Johnson 1980

• Concept module: argument-as-journey metaphor
• In modular book: Metaphors in English, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H. Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
• In bookshelf: Lexicon

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 18 September 1998

© 1999 SIL International