Paradigmatic and syntagmatic relations in metaphor interpretation

Abstract

In this article I try to demonstrate that the use of metaphors, without missing the creativity that characterizes that part of language, is ruled by certain linguistic patterns, which rule interpretation. A methodology for collecting and assessing data is presented, making clearer the fundaments of my proposition. Three verbs to express change of state used metaphorically are analyzed: to explode, to file, to freeze. As a conclusion, I argue that the cognitive strength of a metaphor lies in digging for the new (the cognitive load of a metaphor) in the old (predefined paradigms and syntagms).