Structural Conceptual Metaphors of Emotion Expressions Used by Mandailingnese Speakers

This study investigates the structural conceptual metaphors employed by Mandailingnese speakers to express emotions, aiming to elucidate how abstract emotional experiences are mapped onto more concrete concepts through metaphor. The research adopted a qualitative, descriptive design grounded in Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), as developed by Lakoff and Johnson. Data were drawn from spoken language, including words, phrases, and clauses, collected through recordings of native Mandailingnese speakers' utterances. An interactive model was applied to analyze the data. The findings indicate that Mandailingnese speakers frequently utilize structural conceptual metaphors such as Time Is Money, Life Is a Journey, and Causation As Forced Movement to articulate emotions. In particular, many emotions were conceptualized in temporal terms, mapping feelings onto the domain of time. This mapping illustrates how speakers draw upon familiar, concrete domains to understand and communicate abstract emotional states. These results suggest that structural conceptual metaphors are central to Mandailingnese emotional expression and may contribute to enhancing emotional intelligence. By framing emotions within metaphorical constructs, speakers are better able to comprehend, communicate, and regulate their emotional experiences. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the interplay between language, culture, and cognition, demonstrating how metaphor shapes the expression and perception of emotions within the Mandailingnese community. Highlights: This study investigates the structural conceptual metaphors employed by Mandailingnese speakers to express emotions, aiming to elucidate how abstract emotional experiences are mapped onto more concrete concepts through metaphor. The research adopted a qualitative, descriptive design grounded in Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), as developed by Lakoff and Mark. Data were drawn from spoken language, including words, phrases, and clauses, collected through recordings of native Mandailingnese speakers' utterances.