This study investigates the use of conceptual metaphors and metonymies in English and Arabic oral commentaries of one of the Qatar World Cup's prominent football matches. Based on Lakoff and Johnson's (1980, 2003) Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), the study explores differences between the two languages in the use of conceptual metaphors and metonymies. The study adopts a qualitative research methodology utilising the theoretical models of Pragglejaz Group (2007) and Littlemore (2015) to identify conceptual metaphors and metonymies. The analysis shows that both commentaries commonly conceptualised football as a form of WAR and VIOLENCE and involved ATTRIBUTES OF ANIMALS OR HUMANS. The English commentary additionally demonstrated a more diverse range of conceptualisations, such as FOOTBALL IS ART. Conversely, the Arabic commentary leaned heavily towards WAR and VIOLENCE. Other unique conceptual metaphors in Arabic were also introduced. Regarding metonymies, the English commentary employed fewer types, focusing on PLAYERRELATED associations, whereas the Arabic commentary utilised a broader range, incorporating elements such as a COUNTRY'S FLAG. Overall, the Arabic commentary relied extensively on metonymies, showcasing greater diversity than the English one. The study concludes that conceptualising football can be analysed simultaneously in terms of universal and culturespecific cognitive mappings. Each of these two types is attributed to particular cultural and universal justifications.
Shan et al. (Wed,) studied this question.