Zoologic Metaphor as a Means of Characterizing a Child in American and British Linguocultures

Abstract

This paper examines the issue of using zoologic metaphors as a means of verbalizing group/individual perception of children by adults. The research was carried out on the basis of a survey conducted among representatives of American and British cultures, as well as on the examples from media discourse, namely The New York Times and The Times. This approach allows us to focus not only on the child perception by Americans and Britons as a whole, but also by individuals. The purpose of this study is to identify, analyze and compare the context of the use of zoologic metaphors employed to conceptualize childhood experiences by representatives of American and British linguocultures.