The Metaphors for the Coronavirus Disease in the Speeches of Emmanuel Macron and Pedro Sánchez
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25145/j.cedille.2021.19.24Keywords:
cognitive studies, political discourseAbstract
In the last decades metaphor in specialized discourse has been vastly researched. Following a cognitive approach to metaphor, the present article seeks to analyze the conceptualization of COVID-19 disease in the speeches made by Emmanuel Macron, the French president, and Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, between March and June 2020. The analysis reveals a network of conceptual metaphors which describe the virus as an animate being or a natural disaster, and action to stop its spread as a war. This metaphorical network has a threefold purpose : (1) to highlight the devastating effects of COVID-19 ; (2) to instil courage and hope ; and (3) to make appeals for union in order to contain the pandemic.
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