The great chain metaphor theory and its applications to linguistic analysis

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the Great Chain Metaphor theory proposed by Lakoff and Turner, while elucidating the mechanism by which this model accounts for conceptual metaphor phenomena in language. Unlike traditional mapping-based metaphor theories that primarily focus on the relationship between two isolated conceptual domains, the Great Chain Metaphor aims to analyze metaphor within a hierarchical system that encompassing nature, biology, and the psychological–social characteristics of human beings. Building on this framework, the study preliminarily explores potential applications of the model in the analysis of various discourse types, such as proverbs, political discourse, and media discourse, as well as in translation and natural language processing (NLP). The analyses demonstrate that the Great Chain Metaphor theory not only enables more accurate identification of implicit conceptual mappings in language, but also supports effective strategies for interpretation, translation, and the construction of expressive linguistic expressions. With its systematic structure and high integrative capacity, this model shows promise as a valuable analytical tool for contemporary applied linguistic research, particularly in the contexts of cross-cultural communication and the development of artificial intelligence.