The axes of time: spatiotemporal relations in Old English vocabulary

This article analyzes Old English vocabulary of time to shed light on the historical, sociocultural dimensions space–time metaphorical mappings in English. First, we offer an overview most significant theoretical and experimental findings conceptualization Modern Then analyze sense describe how native cultural conventions cross-cultural contact might have contributed shaping perception period. Finally, through corpus dictionary searches, explore space were intertwined convey notions earliest attestations Results show a persistent link between provide evidence for circular linear that flexibly recruited vertical sagittal (front–back) axes, allowed time-based ego-based construals, including time-moving ego-moving subcases. These data suggest baseline grounded spatial relations sensitive factors has existed surviving present day.