On the nature of spatial metaphors: Dimensions of spatial metaphors and their use among fifth graders
Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: This paper reports on a study about the use of spatial metaphors among students solving spatial tasks. The aim is to describe the nature of spatial metaphors and analyze the use of spatial metaphors under consideration of other factors, such as students' language proficiency and spatial ability. Sixteen fifth grade students, chosen according to a theoretical sampling, were required to describe to other students how to build a pre-designed spatial object made up of building cubes. The data was analyzed and different dimensions of spatial metaphors were identified and described. Whereas the overall frequency of use of metaphors in spatial discourse does not differ substantially among different groups of students, findings show that the use of spatial metaphors might differ if one analyzes the functions and the conceptions of the underlying metaphors.
Source: HAL
Author: Angel Mizzi
Institution: University of Duisburg-Essen
Language: English
Subfield: Linguistics and Language
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2911840763