An Analysis Of Structural Metaphor As Realization Of Adaptability And Its Functioning In Chinese TV Talk Shows

Since the previous studies which have been reviewed are found inadequate to reveal the dynamic nature of structural metaphor, the present study attempts to explore the dynamic adaptability of structural metaphor and its functions realizedin the process of adaptation in a specified setting-----Chinese TV talk shows.With Verschuren's LAT (1999) as the general conceptual framework, we find out that structural metaphor is a result of linguistic choice employed by the speaker as a communicative strategy to fulfill certain particular interpersonal functions. Methodologically speaking, this study is a qualitative one based on the data collected from the well-known CCTV program Tell It Like It Is.The dissertation starts with the various linguistic realizations of structural metaphor which provide some clues to identify it and show its variability. Its semantic features are also generalized for they contribute something to the understanding of structural metaphor. However, the semantic meanings are far from adequate for the hearer to grasp the intention of the speaker because its appearance always carries something underlying. Therefore, it is concluded that the appearance of structural metaphor is constrained by pragmatic adaptation and the employment of structural metaphor is context-dependent. It is found in this study that the operation of structural metaphor is shaped by the contextual correlates mainly in two aspects. It is the sociocultural and mental factors especially the former ones that impel and constrain the speaker to select structural metaphor as a communicative strategy.Since structural metaphor is considered as a communicative strategy, the present study attempts to unearth its functioning in interpersonal communication. Based on the properties of the functioning of structural metaphor, namely, looseness, implicitness and discrepancy which result from its negotiation with the contextual correlates, it has been found that when the speaker's needs are not to the hearer's expectation, structural metaphor can resolve interpersonal conflicts;...