Metaphern und ihre Funktion in der Fachkommunikation

Abstract

A characteristic feature of specialist texts is the use of specialist terms, which, together with other linguistic devices at the morpho-syntactic, lexical and stylistic level, influence the degree of specialist content of the text. The use of terms can lead to a communication barrier, especially in communication between experts and lay people. In some areas, the use of precise language with specialist terms that are incomprehensible to inexperienced recipients cannot be completely avoided. In the case of non-specialist communication, text authors then look for different communication strategies to break down the barriers. These include the use of examples, figures, graphics and, last but not least, metaphors. This article has two aims: firstly, to show by example what functions (besides the illustrative function) metaphors fulfil in texts from selected disciplines; and, secondly, what role the juxtaposition of two heterogeneous semantic fields and the use of expressions from commonly understood everyday language play in communication. Specialist books, non-fiction books and magazines from various fields of communication, which are addressed to distinct groups of recipients and have different degrees of expertise, were selected for the analysis. On the basis of concrete evidence, it is shown that metaphors in particular, as linguistic images, but also as a link to everyday events, contribute significantly to the comprehensibility and attractiveness of a text. Just as importantly, the examples show that these linguistic images can be associated with various connotations and thus evoke emotions.

Keywords

• specialist language
• specialised field
• expertise
• communication barrier
• metaphor