Uses and functions of conceptual metaphor in pedagogical meditation discourse

In mindfulness and meditation instructional contexts, conceptual metaphor is a powerful facilitator of intersubjective communication about inner events first-person experiences. Previous studies in discourse have described space as productive source domain that used by teachers to characterise metaphorically abstract concepts related the meditative practice (Silvestre-López 2019, 2020). This study examines manifestations most representative metaphorical topics (targets) corpus introductory talks addressed an audience non-expert meditators. The analysis sensitive communicative dimension use metaphors it distinguishes between non-deliberate deliberate uses (Steen 2015) considers functions they fulfil (Semino 2008; Goatly 2011). was analysed qualitatively following bottom-up approach. Metaphor identification carried out using DMIP (Reijnierse et al. 2018). Target coding done with help dictionary information domains already identified compendium created previous analyses (see Coll-Florit & Climent 2019; Silvestre-López Navarro 2017; approach allowed different layers specificity be unveiled, remarkable differences found use. Among them, degree granularity (Langacker 2008) ranging from vaguer notions like undefined or spaciousness conceptually richer finer-grained scenarios home shelter, ocean, landscape, sky models. speakers were these consistently explanatory purposes (explanatory function) their reconceptualise some frequent target (e.g., present moment, meditator, mind, awareness, meditation) more mindfully-oriented perspectives, hence allowing become aware get rid potential misconceptions. Deliberate proved particularly useful promoting understanding through reconceptualisation, which turn facilitated vivid imagery evoked detailed elaborations source-domain scenery. Besides ideational functions, also facilitate positive attitudinal changes towards practice, well provide for argument structuring create textual cohesion. Overall, combine speakers’ production aid them skilfully achieving own intentions, underscores need further explore ways applying similar findings real settings.