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RESEARCH PRODUCT

METAPHOR USE IN SIGN SYSTEM: A TWO-STEP MODEL FOR THE UNDERSTANDING OF METAPHOR AND METONYMY

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The aim of this paper is to integrate the cognitive linguistic theory and the relevance theory to provide a comprehensive explanation of what metaphors and metonymies are and to explore their interaction. We approach this question through the analysis of metaphors and metonymies in homesign systems developed by deaf individuals who have no contact with the Deaf Community. We conclude that there is a complex interplay between metonymies and metaphors as a result of a process of representing the human experience by exploiting iconicity and contiguity relations between sign and referent. Speaking metaphorically and use metonymies is a complex ability that arises in two different steps. In our view, by integrating the cognitive linguistic theory and the relevance theory, we provide a comprehensive explanation of what metaphors and metonymies are and how they interact. The cognitive linguistic theory has a neural explanation in an embodied idea of language (Gallese & Lakoff 2005). The relevance theory, on the other hand, implies socio-cognitive skills like Theory of mind. Both of these prerequisites are needed in linguistic activities.