Metaphor as a Model of Inferential Knowledge: Composite Metaphors in a German Scientific Text

Abstract

The article is devoted to the description of metaphor as a model of inferential knowledge. The specifics of understanding composite metaphors, which describe the elements of the sphere of non-material world, is studied on the material of scientific and popular science texts in German. The problem is important today because of the existing linguistic interest to the processes of generation and understanding of speech. On the base of four-dimensional integration theory developed by J. Fauconnier and M. Turner the paper describes an algorithm for the interaction of mental spaces that provide understanding of complex words (composites). In the article is used the method of modeling that involves the definitional analysis, as well as methods of generalization of concepts, comparison and synthesis. The theoretical significance of the article is determined by its contribution to the solution of methodological problems of the study of inferential knowledge in the field of scientific communication; of practical value are the results concerning the principles of schematization of the process of understanding, which can be used in the disciplines of the cognitive orientation. The specificity of understanding of complex words in a scientific text is the combination in the integrated mental space (blend) of two initial spaces: the first is the basis of metaphorical transfer; it correlates with knowledge about material objects familiar to a person; the second creates the perspective of understanding these objects. The total generic mental space is a link connecting the initial spaces; it is characterized by the inclusion of knowledge about a material object within a certain subject / professional area. The result of metaphorical rethinking and modification of the total generic space is a blend – the new knowledge adapted to the conditions of professional communication. The analysis of the material made it possible to conclude that the understanding of composite metaphors is the result of the formation of integrative conceptual units in the human mind, which allows to realize the metaphor as a model of inferential knowledge that is significant for thinking.