Conceptual Metaphor And Vocabulary Learning

According to Conceptual Metaphor Theory, metaphor is not only a prevalent language phenomenon but also an indispensable cognition tool to human beings, which bears close relationship with language learning, especially vocabulary learning.This thesis is intended as a trial to develop a conceptual metaphor approach to aid vocabulary learning since it has been a big problem in foreign language learning area. On the bases of Lakoff and Johnson's Conceptual Metaphor Theory; Krashen's Input Hypothesis as well as Craik and Lockhart's Depth of Processing Hypothesis, this thesis focuses on comprehension of polysemy, idioms, proverbs, phrasal verbs and cultural implications. An experimental study focusing on comprehension of idioms and proverbs shows that conceptual metaphor plays a positive role and produces better results than the traditional approach in vocabulary learning, though some limitations like the selection of subjects, materials and the experimental period exist. The conclusion is that conceptual metaphor approach is a powerful strategy in vocabulary comprehension, retention, and production.