A Cognitive Analysis of the Interpretation Patterns of Metaphorical Time Expressions in Persian

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor of Linguistics, Department of English Language and Literature, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran (Corresponding author)

2 Assistant Professor of English Language Teaching, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

10.22075/jlrs.2025.38230.2693

Abstract

Our understanding of the world around us is influenced by various dimensions of time. Broadly speaking, there are two distinct approaches to deictic time expressions: the Moving Time metaphor and the Moving Ego metaphor. In the Moving Time metaphor, time is conceptualized as moving forward. In contrast, the Moving Ego metaphor conceptualizes the observer as moving forward through time. The aim of the present study is to provide a cognitive analysis of the interpretation patterns of metaphorical time expressions in Persian. This research is grounded in cognitive linguistics and employs the framework developed by McGlone and Harding (1998) regarding the interpretation of time metaphors. The study sample consisted of 118 Persian-speaking participants selected from among students at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan. The Chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis of the data. According to the results of the Chi-square test, the dominant pattern of interpreting metaphorical time in Persian is the Moving Ego metaphor. The predominance of the Moving Ego pattern in Persian may reflect a specific cultural perspective toward time, in which individuals perceive themselves as moving through time. Furthermore, by confirming the role of contextual information in understanding temporal metaphors, this study emphasizes on the importance of cultural and experiential context in shaping abstract concepts.

Keywords

Journal Of Linguistic and Rhetorical Studies

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 08 June 2026

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