The Story of the Bow and Arrow: Through the Eyes of Children

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine children's metaphorical perceptions and drawings of the traditional concept of Turkish archery. In this study, which aims to uncover and examine metaphorical meanings, the phenomenology pattern was used. The research group was determined through easy-to-access sampling. A total of 60 athletes between the ages of 7 and 12 (40 males and 20 females) who studied in sports schools in the traditional turkish archery discipline participated in the study in Ankara during the 2020-2021 season. In order to determine the perceptions of the children participating in the research on the concept of traditional Turkish archery through metaphors; “Traditional Turkish archery ………………. like/similar; because ………” and drawing a figure reflecting their thoughts on the concept of traditional Turkish archery. Children who were asked to explain the metaphor they used with the phrase "because" were given sufficient time to complete their figures. Content analysis technique was used in the evaluation of the data. In conclusion; While drawings containing materials specific to the disciplines were encountered in the drawings of the participants, happy human figures who had fun while doing sports were also frequently encountered. The sizes of the materials of the traditional Turkish archery of the children and the drawings were supported by figures containing positive energy such as the sun.