A Cognitive Linguistic Approach to Metaphor Use in Contemporary English Media Discourse

The research investigates the use of metaphor in modern English media discourse from a cognitive linguistic viewpoint. We study metaphor as conceptual tool that embodies and organizes domain-specific meanings through textualization in media texts thereby framing complex socio-political-technological-economic issues. By utilizing cognitive linguistic theoretical frameworks, most notably conceptual metaphor theory, the study endeavors to critically engage with and systematically analyze selected articles produced in English-language media through the identification of recurring metaphorical themes within them and examining their cognitive implications. The results show that media discourse typically uses conceptual metaphors from accessible domains like human behavior, conflict and movement, to render abstract concepts/novel developments intelligible. These metaphorical structures allow audiences to reframe complicated information through familiar cognitive formats. It also exemplifies how metaphor helps drive narratives in the media, helping to shape the framing and understanding of public issues. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between language, cognition, and communication in contemporary media environments by emphasizing the cognitive and communicative roles of metaphor in media discourse.