Integrated Model Of Visual Grammar:meaning Constructions Of Multimodal Metaphor And Metonymy In Political Cartoons

With the development of mass media and information technology,means of information spreading has been changed a lot.Linguistic mode would not be the only way to transmit or exchange information anymore.Image,as a vivid form,jumping into popularity,has occupied a dominant position gradually in meaning constructions and expressions.Although Kress and van Leeuwen’s visual grammar(2006)has provided a relatively systemic network for images’ analyses,some drawbacks have been exposed accordingly especially the incompleteness that could not apply to different circumstances,which has inspired other models for supplement.This thesis has combined Multimodal Discourse Analysis with Cognitive Linguistics,putting visual grammar into the perspective of metaphor and metonymy.The integrated model of visual grammar will be established in this thesis based on previous researches.Then multimodal metaphor and metonymy have been recommended to interpret meaning constructions in this model through illustrations of political cartoons.Additionally,political cartoons have also been used as case analyses to verify model’s feasibility and applicability.Some opinions can be summarized in this thesis.Firstly,three meaning systems in this model have dynamic interactions.Participant elements manifestation is the basic metonymical step in construing meaning.It is significant for viewers to recognize visual elements in images by reference,sign and concept metonymies.The essential function of metonymy is representing target and source domains for metaphor.Secondly,metaphorical and metonymical meaning constructions in representational meaning are determined by depicted elements.While interactional and compositional meanings are relatively stable,deriving from metaphorical and metonymical constructions whose roots are cognitive basis and embodied experience.Thirdly,integrated model of visual grammar has a better applicability to political cartoons,which can also indicate some characteristics in this genre.Finally,this systemic and complete model can extend metaphorical and metonymical meaning constructions.To sum up,this thesis will not only broaden Multimodal Discourse Analysis but also promote the development of Cognitive Linguistics.However,due to limited space and subjectivity of personal analysis,the study may not thoroughly cover some aspects.But this tentative study could be the reference for scholars to do more far-reaching researches.