Metaphor Power of Military Doctrines in Russian, Chinese and American English

Metaphor in modern linguistics is understood not only as a means of decorating speech, but also structuring, transforming and creating new knowledge, evoking emotions, influencing the perception. The article aims to estimate potential speech impact military doctrines’ texts with help metaphor power quantitative index. methodology based on calculating indices density (MDI), intensity (MII) functionality metaphors text (MfPI). theoretical basis research conceptual theory by J. Lakoff M. Johnson, well ideas about persuasiveness discourse, most fully presented works meta-analysis P. Sopory S. van Stee. Thus, we assume that higher text, per-suasiveness given message. Metaphors different are two cognitive mechanisms, namely, categorization comparison, affect recipient ways, since they perceived differently him. Conventional tend have so-called effect, “creative” metaphors, turn, may considerable emotional impact. Different types functions: orientational perform descriptive function, ontological used explain (translate) complex objects phenomena, identifying them mind recipients, structural serve purpose restructuring signified (le signifié terms Saussure) an object or phenomenon, changing recipient’s point view subject. material under study includes latest published doctrinal documents – Military Doctrine Russian Federation (2014), White Paper “China’s Defense New Era” (2019), Summary US National Strategy (2020). empiric results show Chinese comparison American English used, which indicates intention make more convincing emotionally affecting. “The Strategy” less saturated novel at same time it uses greater number produce declarative rather than effect. has lowest metaphors; found was smallest, leads us conclude this document highlights informative having nature. method analysis proposed tested allows single out –, makes possible express quantitatively their degree. In addition, values metaphorical can be specify genre style study.