A contrastive analysis on cognitive metaphors denoting the concept of “life” in lyric songs in English versus Vietnamese

Abstract

ABSTRACT In light of Cognitive Linguistics, cognitive metaphor (CM) is a popular language tool reflecting human cognition and thought which plays a vital role in the conceptualization of abstract notions. This article presents a contrastive analysis of conceptual metaphors (CMs) denoting the concept of “Life” in English and Vietnamese lyric songs. Basing on the theoretical background of many linguistics, especially Lakoff and Johnson (1980), Lee (2001), Kovêcses (2005, 2010), and together with the data collected from the questionnaire and interviews, the study investigates and explores the similarities and differences in CMs of “Life” between the two languages from the Cognitive perspective.The findings of the study prove that CMs of “Life” have many characteristics in common in both languages; however, different characteristics are actually the unique features to be found in this kind of language device. The study is expected to contribute a significant part in the areas of English language teaching and learning (ELT/ELL), Translation studies and Cross-cultural communication.