Metaphor analysis offers tools for understanding how language shapes our thoughts. For those who would like to conduct discourse research, understanding metaphor goes beyond identifying figures of speech—it provides access to deeper conceptual structures that organize our thinking.
This guide provides two accessible metaphor analysis methods that anyone can implement in their research projects.
Understanding Metaphor Analysis: The Theoretical Foundation
Metaphor analysis is rooted in the work of Lakoff and Johnson (1980), who demonstrated that metaphor extends beyond rhetorics and fundamentally shape our conceptual systems.
For instance, when politicians discuss immigration using metaphors like “flood” or “invasion,” they frame the issue in ways that influence public perception. These linguistic choices evoke the conceptual metaphor immigration is a dangerous force, prompting audiences to view immigration as a threat that must be controlled or stopped.
By examining the metaphors people employ, researchers can uncover meanings beneath those expressed by speakers or writers. This makes metaphor analysis a fundamental concept for educational research, discourse studies, and linguistic analysis across disciplines.
It is difficult to stack metaphor analysis methods into a single short blog post. This is because there are numerous approaches to metaphor analysis. However, there are some common methods used by researchers. We aim to introduce two of them below beginning with Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP) by the Pragglejaz Group. In the coming posts, we will also cover some alternatives such as Critical Metaphor Analysis, developed by Jonathan Charteris-Black
Method 1: Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP) by the Pragglejaz Group
Overview
The Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP), developed by the Pragglejaz Group (2007), offers a systematic method for identifying metaphorically used words in discourse. This approach is designed to help researchers determine when words are used metaphorically with high reliability and consistency. The short summary of the procedure can be found below. But we strongly recommend you to read the original text for deeper understanding.
The Procedure
MIP consists of four main steps:
- Read the entire text to acquire a thorough understanding of its meaning.
- Identify each lexical unit (essentially words) within the text.
- For each lexical unit:
a. Determine its contextual meaning within the text.
b. Determine if it has a more basic meaning in other contexts (more concrete, related to bodily action, historically older, or more precise).
c. Decide whether the contextual meaning contrasts with the basic meaning but can be understood in comparison with it.- If yes to step 3c, mark the lexical unit as metaphorical.
Here is an example given by the authors of the this method:
“For years, Sonia Gandhi has struggled to convince Indians that she is fit to wear the mantle of the political dynasty.”
Applying MIP, the word “wear” is analyzed. Its contextual meaning (taking on a role or responsibility) contrasts with its basic meaning (to have clothing on the body), but can be understood in comparison to it, as assuming a political role is likened to physically wearing a symbol of power. Thus, “wear” is marked as metaphorical.
While it might take some time to get use to utilizing MIP, the procedure offers a clear, methodical approach that makes it accessible for researchers while maintaining scientific rigor.
Method 2: MIPVU (Metaphor Identification Procedure VU University Amsterdam)
Overview
MIPVU, developed at VU University Amsterdam, is an extended and refined version of MIP. Published in 2010, it provides a more comprehensive approach to metaphor identification, with additional categories and clearer guidelines. Again, there is a whole manual written by Steen et. al. (2010) about how to implement MIPVU and we strongly recommend you to read it to understand the method.
The Procedure
MIPVU follows the core steps of MIP but adds important refinements:
- Read the text to gain general understanding.
- Determine all lexical units in the text.
- For each unit:
a. Establish its contextual meaning.
b. Determine if it has a more basic meaning.
c. Decide if the contextual meaning contrasts with but can be understood in comparison with the basic meaning.- If yes to step 3c, mark the unit as metaphorical.
Key Refinements and Additions
MIPVU expands on MIP with several important refinements:
- Standardized reference tools: MIPVU recommends specific dictionaries:
- Macmillan Dictionary as the primary reference
- Longman Dictionary for second opinions
- Oxford English Dictionary for historical cases
- Reliability testing: The method emphasizes regular reliability tests to monitor coder agreement using statistical measures like Fleiss’ Kappa.
Where to Use Them?
These metaphor analysis methods can be used in various types of research:
- Discourse Analysis: Examining how metaphors frame political debates, news coverage, or social issues.
- Literary Analysis: Exploring patterns of metaphorical language in literary texts.
- Education Research: Analyzing how metaphors shape educational discourse or teaching materials.
- Cross-cultural Studies: Comparing metaphor use across different languages or cultural contexts.
- Health Communication: Investigating metaphors used to discuss health, illness, or medical treatments.
Conclusion
To sum up, metaphor analysis provides a great tool for understanding how language shapes our perception and conceptualization of the world. Each method we mentioned has its distinct (but not very far from each other) approach and emphasis, all of them enable researchers to systematically identify and analyze metaphorical language.
Sources
Charteris-Black, J. (2004). Critical metaphor analysis. In Corpus approaches to critical metaphor analysis (pp. 243-253). London: Palgrave Macmillan UK.
Group, P. (2007). MIP: A method for identifying metaphorically used words in discourse. Metaphor and symbol, 22(1), 1-39.
Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (2008). Metaphors we live by. University of Chicago press.
Steen, G. J., Dorst, A. G., Herrmann, J. B., Kaal, A. A., Krennmayr, T., & Pasma, T. (2019). MIPVU: A manual for identifying metaphor-related words. In Metaphor Identification in Multiple Languages (pp. 23-40). John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Corvinus Metaphor Workshop 