Language is a Virus

Turner, Mark B.

Abstract

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Language is a Virus

Mark B. Turner

Case Western Reserve University - Department of Cognitive Science

March 1, 1992

Poetics Today, Vol. 13, No. 4, Winter 1992

Abstract:
How do we make sense of a bare equation like language is a virus? Frequently, a bare equation can be understood as expressing a conventional basic metaphor which we already know as part of our everyday linguistic competence. For example, this job is a detour can be understood as expressing the basic metaphor LIFE IS A JOURNEY. In such a case, the basic metaphor provides most of the interpretation. But when a bare equation is not recognized as an instance of a conventional basic metaphor, then it must be understood through different conceptual instruments. This article discusses some of those conceptual instruments, especially the Invariance Principle and the commonplace notion of The Nature of Things.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 12

Keywords: metaphor, blending

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Date posted: April 25, 2009

Suggested Citation

Turner, Mark B., Language is a Virus (March 1, 1992). Poetics Today, Vol. 13, No. 4, Winter 1992. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1394387

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Mark B. Turner (Contact Author)

Case Western Reserve University - Department of Cognitive Science ( email )

10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-7068
United States

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