For Metaphors to Operate

• For a metaphor to operate, then, the hearer must recognize figurative language when they encounter it.
• Once this recognition occurs, we begin to search for alternative meanings, activating meanings that would not normally be activated.
  

Dead Metaphors

• "Dead" metaphors, are those for which no active processing occurs or is required when they are encountered.
• When both concepts are not only highly familiar but have been substituted frequently in the past, we may not even be conscious of the metaphor.
• These allow for conversational use of metaphors

Live Metaphors

• “Live” metaphors are those for which we cannot create meaning entirely on our own and must seek assistance from the speaker. These are live metaphors, and are what we strive to create.
• e.g., instructional metaphors where the new concept or idea is unfamiliar and we have to create the meaning for ourselves
• These can require significantly more processing.