Abstract: As a pervasive phenomenon in our daily life, metaphor is an indispensable part of culture. While different cultures may apply different metaphors to a same object, there are similarities and differences in the metaphors of the two cultures. In the paper, the author intends to pay special attention to the understanding of metaphor in cross-cultural communication.  

Key words: metaphor    culture    cross-cultural communication

I. What is Metaphor

The word “metaphor” comes from the Greek word metaphora derived from meta meaning “over” and pherein, to “carry”. It refers to a particular set of linguistic processes whereby aspects of one object are carried over or transferred to another object, so that the second object is spoken of as if it were the first.

As in literature, the term “metaphor” is used with a wide variety of meanings; it is necessary to characterize it before starting the study. In the narrowest sense, metaphor refers to a specific way of using the words and phrases of a language, and in a broad sense it is applied to the process of conceptualizing itself, leading to the aphorism “All thought is metaphorical.”

II. Metaphor in English and Chinese culture

Richards once indicates that metaphor is “the omnipresent principle of language.” It is a mode of thinking as well as a linguistic phenomenon. There are a lot of metaphors in people’s daily talking. Even in strict scientific language there exist many metaphors. As a simple example, we can find some common phrases in Chinese culture like “????????????????” etc. In English, it is also easy to find many examples of metaphors: “I will chew over your suggestion.” “The world is a stage.” “She has dewy eyes.” As a matter of fact, the ordinary conceptual systems in both cultures, in terms of which people think and act, are fundamentally metaphorical in nature. Metaphor plays a central important role in defining our everyday reality.

As a linguistic phenomenon, metaphor is not structured arbitrarily. Different cultures may apply different metaphors to a same object. In this chapter, I will present some metaphors in English and Chinese culture and make a comparison between them, and try to give the reason why there are similarities and differences in the metaphors of the two cultures. Consider the following two examples:

Ilsa: Richard, I had to see you.

 Rick: So, I’m Richard again! We’re back in Paris.

 Ilsa: Please.

 Rick: Your unexpected visit isn’t connected by any chance with the Letters of Transit? It seems that as long as I have those Letters, I’ll never be lonely.

 Ilsa: Richard you can ask any price you choose. But you must give me those Letters.

 Rick: I went all through that with your husband. It’s no deal.

 Ilsa: I know how you feel about me. And I don’t blame you. But I’m asking you to put your feelings aside for something more important.

 ……

 Rick: I wouldn’t believe you no matter what you told me. You’ll say anything now to get what you want.