How does Metaphors reveal peoples culture and weltanschauung?
The narratives, expressions and key words used in a culture often signify what is held with high regard, cherished or revered. The use of metaphors to convey important values of a culture is universal and they can be found in such diverse texts as: Buddhist writings: In this ocean of the world in which it is so hard to live, this great round of misery will never end; Confucius sayings: Study without thinking, and you are blind; think without studying, and you are in danger; and Celtic proverbs: Obdurate is the human race-harder than stones are their hearts-when they do not pay attention to the vastness of all the pains. Much can be learnt about the central values, beliefs and attitudes of people through the metaphors they construct. For example, a Maaori whakatauki (or proverb) reads as follows: Na tau rourou Na take rourou Ka ora ai te manuhiri This is literally translated as: By your food basket And my food basket The visitors will be fed.
