Conceptual metaphor of love in the Thai novel: No Moon Tonight

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the conceptual metaphor of love in the Thai novel No Moon Tonight (1973). The data were collected from the expressions used referring to “love” in the Thai novel No Moon Tonight, were to be compared with everyday linguistic expressions of “love.” Analysis of the domain mapping has revealed the relationship of the meanings of “love” in the source domain being mapped onto those in the target domain. The findings showed that linguistic expressions of “love” in the novel No Moon Tonight could be categorized into 41 conceptual metaphors and 2 metonymies. Most of these concepts consisted of concrete source domains to clarify the concept of “love.” The concepts could be defined as ideal models and typical models. Ideal and typical models help us to understand the physical effects, behavioral reactions, emotions and emotional attitudes of a lover. To conclude, 800 metaphorical expressions of “love” were found in No Moon Tonight. The language, thoughts, actions and attitudes of the lovers represented concepts of the emotion of “love” through linguistic expressions in No Moon Tonight. Some concepts were found to be universal. Some were ideal models because of their own individual desire. Many ideal models overlapped with typical models. But the cores of the typical models were clearly seen in the study. Conceptual metaphors of love in the Thai novel No Moon Tonight consisted in universal concepts, ideal models and typical models. The lovers gained the physical effect of being in love as a universal concept. The universal concept was clearly activated by both men and women who have fallen in love. Additionally, the concept of “love” was conveyed by people’s thoughts, actions and attitudes toward love. Their different reactions toward love could be better understood by contrasting the old views and perspectives of love with the more modern perception of love that is present in Thai society. The language used reflected thoughts, actions and attitudes of the lovers that existed between parents and children, men and women, friends and friends.