Synaesthetic metaphors in Vladimir Nabokov’s prose Cover Image

Metafory synestezyjne w utworach Vladimira Nabokova
Synaesthetic metaphors in Vladimir Nabokov’s prose

Author(s): Anna Ginter
Subject(s): Semiotics / Semiology, Cognitive linguistics
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: Vladimir Nabokov; synaesthesia; synaesthetic metaphor;

Summary/Abstract: The present paper is devoted to synaesthetic metaphors in Nabokov’s oeuvre. The main attention is paid to the metaphors in which both the source and the target domains are perceptual. Numerous constructions of the analysed material show that although in some cases a perceptual mode is initially specified, the imagery is linguistically related in terms belonging to one or more differing perceptual modes. Nabokov’s metaphoric expressions has been discussed in two groups: cross-modal sensory metaphors with the source domain of color as well as the source domain of tactile perception. These constructions resemble synaesthesias (e.g., deep crimson softness, orange heat) even though, contrary to the neuro-developmental synaesthesia, meanings of synaesthetic metaphors are generated through semantic processes. Interpretation of cross-modal sensory metaphors is determined by the context.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 12
  • Page Range: 53-61
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: Polish