Question

Why may genuine negation be as rare as genuine metaphorical or metonymical extension?

a) Genuine negation is rare because people tend to avoid using negatives in language.
b) Genuine negation is rare because it requires a deep understanding of language and context.
c) Genuine negation is common, and it is not as rare as metaphorical or metonymical extension.
d) Genuine negation is rare because it typically involves complex cognitive processes.

Answer 1

Genuine negation is rare because it involves complex cognitive processes akin to metaphorical thinking, requiring a deep understanding of the concepts involved and their linguistic expression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks why genuine negation may be as rare as genuine metaphorical or metonymical extension. Genuine negation is indeed rare in language as it typically involves complex cognitive processes. Not only does negation require an understanding of the concept being negated but also an advanced level of linguistic processing to effectively communicate the absence of a quality or state. This complexity is akin to the process involved in metaphorical thinking where a concrete concept is used to illustrate an abstract idea, such as equating emotions with spatial directions ('feeling down' or 'high spirits').

Genuine metaphorical thinking is prevalent across various languages and cultures, demonstrating both the universality and relativity of metaphor. Metaphoric and metonymic devices are fundamental to language because they enable us to discuss and conceptualize abstract concepts by drawing on concrete experiences, which is a process deeply ingrained in our cognition.