Opening the thinkgates?

Abstract

This corpus study investigates the uptake and (non-)continuation of metaphors and metaphor scenarios related to migration/migrants in news reader comment sections of selected British broadsheets and tabloids. It is shown how scenarios are modified and aspects of the source domain foregrounded/backgrounded in order to serve the argumentative interests of the respective writers. At the same time, potential correlations between specific conceptual metaphors and argumentative topoi are analysed, with a particular focus on mixed metaphors. It is argued that the combinations of conceptual metaphors found in instances of mixed metaphor often create cognitive dissonance, but that the wish for dramatic effect through exaggeration appears to justify the merger of two seemingly incompatible metaphors. The argumentative aim thus seems to be more important than the internal coherence of the mixed metaphor itself. With regard to the use of concrete metaphorical linguistic expressions, the corpus data further reveal that language users repeatedly draw on specific lexical items linked to a restricted area of the source domain. It is not surprising, therefore, that the discourse surrounding the topic of migration comes across as highly conventionalised at times, especially within socio-political echo chambers.