Passage: 'In cognitive linguistics, the conceptual metaphor theory proposed by Lakoff and Johnson asserts that metaphors are not ornamental linguistic flourishes, but foundational cognitive frameworks through which humans conceptualize abstract domains. For instance, the pervasive metaphor 'ARGUMENT IS WAR' shapes not merely how people discuss disagreements ('he attacked my weak points', 'she defended her position'), but how disputants physically experience and behave during intellectual debates.'
According to the passage, conceptual metaphors primarily function to:
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Structure how human beings comprehend and interact with abstract concepts
- Step 1: Locate the author's definition of conceptual metaphor theory: Lakoff and Johnson argue that metaphors are foundational cognitive frameworks rather than mere rhetorical figures of speech.
- Step 2: Identify how conceptual metaphors operate: they structure how humans conceptualize, perceive, and behave within abstract domains.
- Step 3: Thus, their primary function according to the passage is to structure how human beings comprehend and interact with abstract concepts.
Answer
Structure how human beings comprehend and interact with abstract concepts.
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