Semasiological corpus-based approach to identifying conceptual metaphor (SCAICM)

This paper is an attempt to develop a new mechanism for semasiologically identifying conceptual metaphors in a particular discourse (SCAICM). Based on Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) conceptual metaphor theory (CMT)’ and aided with corpus tools, the proposed method complements previously suggested mechanisms by Jaekel (1995, 1997, 2002), Steen (1999, 2007, 2010), Deignan (1999, 2008) and Stefanowitsch (2006). This mechanism attempts to suggest solutions to methodological problems associated with the previous mechanisms, such as the starting point, overlooking instances of potential metaphors, neglecting stretches of words, and covering larger corpora. The proposed method is assumed to account for all and every instance of potential conceptual metaphor in corpora under investigation and it combines qualitative with quantitative analysis interchangeably. The method is implemented to ongoing PhD research addressing conceptual metaphors in selected English translations of the Noble Qur’an (ETNQs).