Hyperbole And Its Interpretation

Hyperbole is a special and ubiquitous language phenomenon, its literal meaning is much different from the intended meaning of the utterer. The intended meaning of hyperbole is dependent on the literal meaning, which is usually regarded as a form of extremity, an exaggeration that either magnifies or minimizes some real state of affairs. Therefore, the production and comprehension of hyperbole is much more complex than that of common discourse. Based on previous achievements, this thesis introduces the definition and classification of hyperbole, analyses its features and we also explore the pragmatic functions of hyperbole. The last part of the dissertation attempts to interpret hyperbole from cognitive approaches. .This thesis is composed of five parts. In the introduction part, the author discusses the ubiquity of hyperbole; clarifies the argument, data collection and organization of this dissertation.Chapter one puts forth the exploration of hyperbole, which includes the definition,classification and features of it. Hyperbole is classified into two types: direct hyperbole and metaphorical hyperbole. The former is the hyperbole which exaggerates something for emphasis. It makes an object more prominent directly with the lexico-grammatical forms.There is no overlapping with other tropes in direct hyperbole. The latter is a special form of hyperbole which exaggerates things by virtue of metaphor. It's more vivid and visual than direct hyperbole and possesses the following features: co-existence of similarity and difference is the ground for metaphorical hyperbole; while imagination and rationality play central roles in metaphorical hyperbole. Besides, the pragmatic functions of hyperbole are discussed.The second chapter is a literature review. Past studies at home and abroad are surveyed in this chapter, which mainly consists of the rhetorical approach to hyperbole, the semantic study of hyperbole, the pragmatic study of hyperbole and the psychological study of hyperbole.The third chapter is one of the central parts, which is concerned with a cognitive approach on the production and comprehension of hyperbole. Starting from the psychological and cognitive principles, we think hyperbole is generated and governed by two factors, namely, competence and appropriateness; contextual factors involved in hyperbole comprehension are also discussed in this chapter. In the section of cognitive approaches to hyperbole, we make an intensive interpretation of hyperbole within the theoretical frameworks of mental space theory and metaphorical mapping theory.The last part is the conclusion which sums up this dissertation, provides some suggestions and points out the limitations of this study.The key viewpoint of this dissertation is that hyperbole needs ultimately to be contingent upon the real if the hyperbolist wishes to avoid a ridiculous speech. Associative ability plays an essential role in the production and comprehension of hyperbole, and rationality may be regarded as a check to unrestrained imagination. Mental space theory and metaphorical mapping provide appropriate approaches for hyperbole interpretation.