An Analysis of Metaphorical Concepts in Juz’ 21 to 26 of the Holy Qur’an from a Cognitive Perspective

Abstract

Conceptual metaphor is one of the cognitive mechanisms within the field of semantics that offers a distinct perspective on the notion of metaphor. In this view, metaphor is regarded as a mental-linguistic process analyzed thematically within semantic memory. That is, metaphorical terms are associated based on the retrieval of existing information stored in long-term memory. This perspective considers the understanding and expression of abstract concepts through more tangible concepts as an application of metaphor. The Holy Qur’an, as the sacred book of Muslims and the miracle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is replete with abstract concepts. To facilitate the understanding of such notions by its audience, the Qur’an employs image schemas and conceptual metaphors. The present study, conducted using a content analysis method, investigates image schemas and conceptual metaphors in Juz’ 21 to 26 of the Qur’an. The findings of the study indicate that with the expansion of the conceptual domains progressing from the beginning toward the end of the surahs, based on the chronological order of revelation, the use of conceptual metaphor has likewise increased. The more the text addresses abstract and unknown concepts, the more frequent the application of conceptual metaphors becomes. Furthermore, no significant difference is observed between the source and target domains in the selected surahs. In conclusion, it is noteworthy that among the various types of conceptual metaphors found in the mentioned surahs, structural metaphors occur with the highest frequency, followed by orientational and ontological metaphors.