Original scientific paper

Mappings in conceptual space: Metonymy, metaphor, and iconicity in two signed languages

Sherman Wilcox ; University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Phyllis Perrin Wilcox ; University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Maria Josep Jarque ; University of Barcelona

Abstract

In this paper we present lexical data documenting the interaction of metonymy,
metaphor, and iconicity in two signed languages, American
Sign Language (ASL) and Catalan Sign Language (LSC). The basis of
our analysis is the recognition that metonymy, metaphor, and iconicity
all represent mappings across domains within a conceptual system. This
framework also permits us to incorporate the form of signs, their phonological
pole, as a region in conceptual space. The data examined exemplify
several basic metonymies such as ACTION FOR INSTRUMENT and
PROTOTYPICAL ACTION FOR ACTIVITY. We also examine cases in which
gesture plays a role in metonymy. One area in which metonymy is quite
extensively used in signed languages is in the creation of name signs.
We explore various types of name signs and the metonymies involved
in each. Finally, we examine two case studies of the complex interaction
of metonymy, metaphor, and iconicity: the ASL epithet THINKHEARING,
and the LSC signs expressing the acquisition of ideas as
IDEAS ARE LIQUID and knowledge as MIND IS A TORSO. We conclude
that the deep interplay of metonymy, metaphor, and iconicity, as well
as their cultural contextuality, requires that they be understood as conceptual
space mappings.

Keywords

signed languages; metonymy; metaphor; iconicity; gesture

Hrčak ID:

31342

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/31342

Publication date:

30.9.2003.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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