CONCEPTUALIZATION OF LANGUAGE BY MEANS OF THE CONDUIT METAPHOR IN SERBIAN IN COMPARISON TO ENGLISH

Abstract

This paper explores the metaphoric conceptualization language is conduit in the Serbian language. For the purposes of this research, Michael Reddy’s expressions which realize the conduit metaphor in English are translated into Serbian, and then analyzed, with the aim of identifying whether the metaphor is realized in the same way as in English or there are differences between the two languages. The results indicate a total overlap in the conceptualization at the general level, but there are some minor differences at the level of specific linguistic expressions. The conclusion is that this metaphor can hardly be avoided when thinking and talking about language in Serbian, which is no different than the situation we encounter in English.