隐喻中的相似性问题探究

A Study on Similarity in Metaphor

隐喻中的相似与非隐喻中的相似具有不同的特点。目前隐喻理论中对隐喻中的相似概念总是从定性出发,止步于一个总体性的描述。但是事实上,对于相似的判断暗含了从量变到质变的逻辑,需要指出其中的量变过程并对其进行简单的数学分析。而非直接跳跃到性质判定。因此,有必要对"相似"这个隐喻中最为重要的基础概念做出定量分析,以此对隐喻性质做一个量化溯源,构架出隐喻性质的量变过程模型。简言之,隐喻中的相似具有非对称性、本体和喻体的相似要素强健程度不同,喻体更强健,且这样的强健属性会随着社会语境的变化而发生变化,始终处在运动的过程中。以上两点造成了隐喻中的相似具有不可逆的特性。

The similarity in metaphor and the similarity in non-metaphor share different characteristics. This study argues that the similarity in metaphor has the irreversible feature by a systematical study of metaphor.The existing theory of metaphor always discusses the similarity from the qualitative concept and ends at an overall description. However,in fact,the logic of the judgment of similarity implies the change from the quantity to the quality,not vice versa. Therefore,a quantitative analysis of the basic concept of ＂similarity＂in metaphors should be done in order to make a quantitative traceable framework of the process model of metaphors. In a word,the similarity in metaphors is asymmetric,the tenor and the vehicle have different level of power,and the vehicle is stronger,moreover,such property will change with the change of social context and always stay in motion,which makes the similarity in metaphors have the irreversible feature.