METAFORIČKA KONCEPTUALIZACIJA PREBIVALIŠTA ZASNOVANA NA IZVORNOM DOMENU MAŠINE U ENGLESKOM I SRPSKOM JEZIKU

Abstract

This paper explores how the machine source domain structures the target domain of human habitat in English and Serbian. The author applies the Conceptual Metaphor Theory, as defined within the theoretical framework of cognitive linguistics, to establish how human habitat is conceptualized by means of machine metaphor in the two languages. The analysis shows that metaphorical mappings are established between a whole range of human dwellings (house, estate, concentration camp, town, city) and only two elements from the selected set of various machines (namely the machine and the mechanism). Our findings confirm that machine is used in both Serbian and English to conceptualize how a town/city/residence operates: its proper functioning is conceptualized as efficient operation of a machine/mechanism, any disruption is perceived as a mechanical breakdown, while residents are mapped onto raw production materials. To explore the ideology behind the metaphors, or the world view which machine metaphor promotes, the author applies critical metaphor theory. The results suggest that machinebased conceptualization not only severs emotional bonds between humans and their environment but also deprives residents of a proactive role when it comes to making important decisions about their immediate surroundings.