how metaphors shape our thinking and writing
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How Metaphors Shape Our Thinking and WritingTRANSCRIPT
How Metaphors Shape Our
Thinking and Writing
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a
word or phrase is applied to an object or concept it does not literally denote in order to suggest comparison with its basic meaning.
Examples:
This assignment was a breeze.Her eyes were fireflies.
What is a metaphor?
A simile is a comparison between two unlike
items on the basis of a shared quality using “like” or “as”
Example: Your cookies taste like lumps of sand.
Non-example: Your cookies taste like my cookies. (This is comparing two alike things and, therefore, is NOT a simile.)
What is a simile?
For this discussion, let’s forget the differences
between metaphors and similes.
Both metaphors and similes can be summed up in the following definition: “I is an Other”
This definition is also a title of a book by James Geary.
Metaphors and Similes
James Geary on Metaphors: TED talkhttp://www.ted.com/talks/james_geary_metaphorically_speaking.html
http://prezi.com/mojdt36mrozf/mixing-mind-and-metaphor/
If the video doesn’t work…
Use index cards of three different colors. Distribute them
to students and have one group write adjectives, another – concrete nouns, and the third group – abstract nouns.
Put them together randomly in the following phrase:
the (adjective) (concrete noun) of (abstract noun)
Shuffle and experiment!
Let’s Build a Metaphor!
Turn an image into a metaphor
When I was little, I once owned a… Write in the name of a toy, game, article of
clothing, pet, etc. Describe this object using at least three senses
and at least three adjectives. Cross out “When I was little, I once owned” Replace it with “My childhood WAS”
Mad-Lib something!
Great exercise for small groups
Elicits freedom of expression
Sometimes can lead to improvements and happy accidents
http://www.madglibs.com/showglib.php?glibid=64
“Why Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog” by Taylor Mali
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LcYt7qZhOs
Planting a garden…
Pulling teeth…
Riding a bicycle…
Walking on the beach…
Other?
Why Teaching Writing is Like…
A short and clever saying that provides an
interesting observation.
In his book The World in a Phrase, James Geary defines aphorisms as “fine, incisive sayings that in dark times and in light help us see the world more smartly.”
What is an Aphorism?
Benjamin Franklin: Early to bed and early to
rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Mark Twain: Do not put off till tomorrow what
can be put off till day-after-tomorrow just as well.
Benjamin Franklin: A good example is the best sermon.
Mark Twain: Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
Franklin vs. Twain
Five Laws of Aphorisms
According to James Geary, aphorisms must be…
Brief Definitive Personal Philosophical And come with a
twist.
http://www.jamesgeary.com/performances.php
Thanks for coming to my presentation!