Abstract

Metaphor is not only a way of thinking, but also a tool of cognition. Based on two debates in the 2016 American presidential election, this dissertation analyzes the metaphors used by Clinton and Trump from the perspective of cognition. By analyzing the metaphors, it is found that Clinton uses the architectural metaphor, the war metaphor, the travel metaphor and the organ metaphor. Trump uses the weather metaphor and the disaster metaphor. Clinton’s metaphors cover a wide range and the type of metaphor is more than Trump’s. It is found that Clinton’s metaphors are better. At the same time, metaphor can help politicians convey political ideas better and help people understand the political discourse better. What’s more, it helps teachers manage the class well.

Key words: metaphor; presidential debate; conceptual metaphor

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1.Introduction1

1.1The background of the research1

1.2The aim of the research.1

1.3The meaning of the research.2

1.4The structure of the dissertation2

2.Literature Review 3

2.1The research of metaphors abroad3

2.2The research of political discourses abroad4

2.3Domestic research of political discourses5

3.Theoretical foundation6

3.1The definition of metaphor6

3.2The functions of metaphor6

3.2.1The function of emotional stimulation and persuasion7

3.2.2The function of evaluation .8

3.3The types of metaphor.8

3.4The operational mechanism of metaphor11

4.Metaphors in Trump and Clinton’s debates.13

4.1Metaphors in Clinton’s debates13

4.2Metaphors in Tump’s debates.15

4.3Similarities and differences of metaphors in Trump and Clinton’s debates17

4.3.1Similarities of metaphors in Clinton and Trump’s debates17

4.3.2Differences of metaphors in Clinton and Trump’s debates18

5.Conclusion19

References20