For a theory of metaphor on the interface between Neurosciences and Pragmatics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15448/1984-4301.2015.1.19502Keywords:
Metaphor, Neuroscience, Relevance Theory, Metatheoretical Interface.Abstract
This study proposes an analysis of the inferences resulting from metaphorical utterances on the interface between Neuroscience and Pragmatics, for the description and the explanation of the inferential processing resulting from the understanding of these utterances. On the one hand, from the point of view of Neuroscience, via Coarse-code Hypothesis (SHIBATA et al, 2007; EVIATAR and JUST, 2006) and Dynamic Spillover Hypothesis (PRAT et al., 2012), the cortical structures recruited to the metaphor processing have been described. On the other, from the point of view of Pragmatics, via Relevance Theory (RT), the nature of the inferences arising from the production of metaphorical utterances through the production of ad hoc concepts have been explained (WILSON & SPERBER, 2012). On the interface between these different disciplines, it has been evidenced that the inferences produced in processing metaphorical utterances can be described and explained in an interdisciplinary perspective, in a more complex manner (COSTA, 2007). Thus, we have designed an approach to metaphor, whose descriptive potential is based on the findings of Neuroscience, and whose explanatory potential is based on Pragmatics, through the production of ad hoc concepts. The findings corroborate the central thesis intended in this study, the one in which the objects of investigation, in this case the metaphor, if drawn on the interface, can be described and explained in a more complex manner, as properties of complex nature interact among themselves.
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