Conceptual metaphors in international agreements representing ecological discourse (as exemplified in protocol on strategic environmental assessment in Russian, English and French)

This study investigates the role of metaphorical concepts in shaping the interpretation of the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (2003), an annex to the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context. Analyzing the English, French, and Russian versions of the Protocol, the study identifies and analyzes the presence and function of ontological and orientational metaphors, examining their potential influence on the parties' understanding of the document's provisions. Through a comparative linguistic analysis, the study explores language-specific variations in metaphorical expression and investigates the role of metaphorical conceptualization in fostering cross-cultural communication within the context of international environmental law. The findings, presented systematically in a table, contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay of language, metaphor, and legal discourse, offering practical implications for teaching socio-political translation, intercultural communication, and English and French language instruction.