Risch Andreas.pdf - Osteopathic Research

The original classification of metaphors in ontological and orienting metaphors was
revised in the later publications by Lakoff/Johnson (1987) and combined to
“kinaesthetic image schematas”. Since then the important classification of metaphoric
constructs in metaphor analysis are according to Schmitt (1995):
a. metaphoric phrases
b. metaphoric concepts
c. image schemata
4.2 Characteristics and functions of metaphors
Metaphors have a big variety of characteristics and functions, the most important are:
a. operative, e.g. HEALTH AS ORIENTATION (leading an action)
b. evaluative, e.g. HEALTH AS HAPPINESS (conveying feelings and emotion)
c. selective, s. chapter 4.2.1 Hiding and Highlighting (focusing, emphasizing,
reducing)
d. creative, e.g. HEALTH AS PERMEABILITY (helping to express the nonspeakable
or the non-visible)
e. explanatory, e.g. HEALTH AS HIGHEST GOOD (setting certain axioms)
Because metaphors are mostly used in non-intentional speech, e.g. in a
subconscious way, they need to be reflected and consciously thought about in order
to use them and not be used by them.
4.2.1 Hiding and Highlighting
„The very systemacity that allows us to comprehend one aspect of a concept in terms
of another will necessarily hide other aspects of the concept“, (Lakoff/Johnson,
1980). Metaphors can highlight certain aspects of therapy, but they also can hide
other valuable therapeutic possibilities through their constitutive theories (Schiefer,
2005). A strong light in the nightime for example might help seeing certain objects
very clearly, however it might cause a loss of orientation of the surrounding area. As