CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS IN COMMENCEMENT SPEECHES: UNVEILING THE SYMBOLIC LANGUAGE OF INSPIRATION AND GUIDANCE[1]
Roxana Gheoghiu
1 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba Iulia, Romania
Abstract
Commencement speeches are a cherished tradition within educational institutions, representing a moment of reflection, celebration, and inspiration for graduates as they transition into the next chapter of their lives. In recent years, with the advancement of technology and the widespread influence of social media, such speeches have gained broader reach and significance. Many are now shared online, extending their impact beyond the graduating cohort to a global audience.
Conceptual metaphors play a significant role in commencement speeches, enabling speakers to convey complex ideas and inspire graduates by linking abstract concepts to more familiar and relatable domains.
The focus of this paper is to analyse the conceptual metaphors used within a pre-established corpus of commencement speeches and to identify patterns in their usage. To achieve these aims, a thorough investigation was conducted, which involved a close reading of the source material, the application of the Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP), and a critical analysis of the metaphors uncovered.
This paper demonstrates that conceptual metaphors are not merely present in commencement speeches, but are essential rhetorical tools that resonate with the emotions and consciousness of the audience. By drawing on tangible and familiar domains, speakers are able to inspire and motivate graduates, linking their educational journeys, aspirations, challenges, and sense of community to powerful and evocative imagery.
Keywords: Commencement speech; Conceptual metaphor; Civic duty, journey metaphor; Personal development.
References
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How to cite this article: Gheoghiu, R. (2023). Conceptual metaphors in commencement speeches: Unveiling the symbolic language of inspiration and guidance. Journal of Linguistic and Intercultural Education - JoLIE, 16(1), 37–62. https://doi.org/10.29302/jolie.2023.16.1.3
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[1] The current paper was elaborated as part of the MA course in Metaphorology in contemporary media, led by Professor Teodora Popescu, academic year 2021-2022, 1 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba Iulia, Romania.