FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN ACADEMIC TEXTS

Abstract

This article examines the role of figurative language in academic discourse. Many people believe academic discourse strictly refers to a literal meaning. In contrast, an article published in the journal Written Communication argues otherwise. It discusses why figurative language is important for research articles. Through insights from cognitive linguistics and discourse studies, it is argued that metaphor constitutes a central cognitive and rhetorical device in the construction and communication of academic knowledge. Study reveals crucial function of metaphorical expressions for a better conceptualisation and organisation of arguments. It also establishes dense relationships between disciplinary framing of papers and the use of metaphorical language.