Metaphorical constructions of english language learners about their role in learning an additional language

Abstract

Based on a corpus composed of 64 Language Learning Histories, the article focuses on the way the image of learners is talked about metaphorically in young English language learners’ discourse. The metaphors found were qualitatively analyzed according to the Conceptual Metaphor Theory (LAKOFF & JOHNSON, 1980) and the Image Schemas (LAKOFF, 1987). The results show that the group of learners investigated conceptualizes themselves as workers, machines, containers and builders. It thus, seems clear that there is a need to conduct research on this topic to provide reflective development by teachers and researchers about the teaching and learning process of this language nowadays.

Keywords

• Metáforas. Aprendiz. Aprendizagem de Língua Inglesa.