Systematic Metaphors in L2 Public Speaking: A Contrastive Study of Advanced Chinese EFL Learner and Native English Speaker

Abstract

While recent research has foregrounded language learners' metaphor production in second language writing, little research has explored such behavior in relation to public speaking, a discourse type inextricably linked with metaphorical expression. To fill the gap, this contrastive study explored how advanced Chinese EFL learners and native English speakers use systematic metaphors in English public speaking. This study analyzed 46 speech drafts containing 39854 words through a bottom-up discourse dynamic approach. Seven types of systematic metaphors with 69 occurrence numbers were identified in advanced Chinese EFL learners' data. Ten types of systematic metaphors with 113 occurrence numbers were identified in native English speakers' data. The study concludes the difficulty for second language learners' metaphor production and the complexity of influencing factors behind different systematic metaphor patterns. Pedagogical implications of helping learners develop metaphoric competence were discussed on the part of second language educators.