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Abstract
Do we process a lie is a dagger in the same way as we process a lie is like a dagger? Some theories claim that processing of metaphors and similes draw on different cognitive mechanisms, while others do not. In my master's thesis, I will address processing differences between metaphors and similes by comparing reading times of the metaphor and simile vehicles through an eye tracking reading paradigm. I will also be looking at whether extending the figurative meaning affects processing of metaphors and similes differently or not. For example, do we process ballerinas are (like) butterflies differently in a context where the ballerinas fly across the stage, (which would be a metaphorical description) versus a context where they twirl across the stage (which is a literal description)?
Previous studies have addressed the questions of whether single or extended metaphors are processed differently (Rubio-Fernandez et al. 2016) and whether single similes and metaphors are processed differently or not (e.g. Ashby et al. 2018; Glucksberg & Haught, 2005; Gentner & Bowdle, 2008), but this is the first study to compare both single and extended metaphors and similes. I recently finished data collection, and at this talk I will set out the background and motivation for the study and present the results.
About the speaker
Emma Krane Mathisen is a master's student in English language and linguistics at ILOS and Lab Manager of the DEVCOM Lab at IFIKK. She is interested in pragmatics, figurative speech, and language acquisition. In her MA thesis, she uses eye tracking to look at processing differences between single and extended metaphors and similes. In 2022 she received the EyeHub MA grant, and in 2023 she received the Centre for Philosophy and the Sciences MA grant.
This event is open for everyone - no registration needed.