Metaphors Used in Our Daily Life
(A case study on The Jakarta Post and Kompas Newspaper articles)
Penulis Pertama: Pracillia Sulistiani
Jalan Margonda Raya No. 100
Jurusan Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Gunadarma
([email protected])
ABSTRAK
Key Words: Metaphors, The Jakarta Post, Kompas
People assume that metaphors can only be found in literature. However, indirectly we
live in a metaphor, as when we devote our thoughts and feelings in writing and every
sentence we speak, we unknowingly use the words of metaphor. This happens because
of human thought processes largely metaphorical. The purposes of this study are to find
out metaphors in The Jakarta Post and Kompas newspapers, to describe the kinds of
metaphors, and to find out the frequency of metaphors found in both newspapers. This
study uses qualitative and quantitative descriptive method. The result of this study
shows that there are many metaphors identified in The Jakarta Post and in Kompas. Of
100 metaphors identified in The Jakarta Post, there are 26.4% metaphors. And, of 100
metaphors identified in Kompas, there are 31.6% metaphors. Finally, there are 7 types
of metaphors identified in The Jakarta Post, namely dead metaphor, absolute
metaphor, active metaphor, compound or loose metaphor, dying metaphor, epic
metaphor, and unconventional metaphor. In addition there are 8 types of metaphors
identified in Kompas, namely dead metaphor, absolute metaphor, active metaphor,
compound or loose metaphor, dying metaphor, epic metaphor, synecdoche metaphor,
and unconventional metaphor.
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Problem
A tool that used to communicate with other humans is called. This language does not
just convey information, but we also can put the ideas, feelings, and the human mind.
Figurative language takes an important role in the routine of our daily lives, not only in
perception but in thought and action, whether in magazines, newspapers, novels, short stories,
poetry, and drama. One of the figurative language most often used is a metaphor.
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The assumption of people says that there is only a metaphor in literature, and the only
poet who use them. But indirectly we live in a metaphor, as when we devote our thoughts and
feelings in writing and every sentence we speak, we unknowingly use the words of metaphor.
This happens because of human thought processes largely metaphorical. Met aphor is a kind
of figurative language that has many meanings and deeper meaning, sometimes difficult to
translate the metaphor literally. Metaphors not only make our thoughts more vivid and
interesting, but they actually structure our perceptions and understanding. Therefore, the
metaphor contained in the various forms of writing such as literature, advertising, media
articles, and even everyday conversations. The presence of figurative language is to attract
attention, generate freshness, and life in literature. In this research, the writer will analyze the
metaphors in The Jakarta Post and Kompas newspaper. In addition, I will explain about the
types of metaphors and the frequency of metaphors used in both newspapers.
Previous Research
Yunizar Djoenaid (1993)
Yunizar wrote “Understanding of Metaphor in the Drama As You Like It: A
Pragmatic Study”, a research paper submitted to the faculty of Letters as a partial Fulfillment
of the requirement for Strata I in English, University of Indonesia.
In his paper, he pointed out analyzing metaphor comprehension process in terms of
pragmatic and to know the role of pragmatic theories to find meaning in metaphor. The data
are taken from drama comedy As You Like It by William Shakespeare.
Noni Marlianingsih (2003)
Noni wrote “The metaphor in William Shakespeare’s poem Sonnet LXIII”, a
scientific research paper submitted to the Faculty Letters as partial fulfillment of the
requirement for Diploma III in English Department, Gunadarma University. She analyzed the
metaphors in “Sonnet LXIII”.
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Problem Formulation
The problems of the research are as follows:
1) What metaphors are there in The Jakarta Post and Kompas newspapers?
2) What types of metaphors are there in The Jakarta Post and Kompas
newspapers?
3) How often metaphors are found in both newspapers?
Aim of the Study
The aims of this research are:
1) To find out the metaphors used in The Jakarta Post and Kompas newspapers.
2) To describe the types of metaphors in The Jakarta Post and Kompas
newspapers.
3) To find out the frequency of metaphors found in both newspapers.
Scope of the Study
This research focuses only on metaphors, the number of metaphors, and the types of
metaphors used in The Jakarta Post and in Kompas newspapers.
Significance of the Study
This research may contribute several benefits to the writer and to the readers. The
benefits are:
1) To enrich and increase knowledge on the figurative language of metaphors in The
Jakarta Post and Kompas newspapers.
2) It is useful for the readers to give a greater awareness that the metaphor used in
our daily life.
3) In fact, metaphors not only shape our view, but the way we think and what we do
in our life
THEORETICAL REVIEW
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Figurative Language
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Figurative language there are various, but in spite of all kinds, have something (adj)
common, namely the languages are metaphorically view impute something plugging in
something else. (Altenbernd, 1970:15).
Metaphor
Metaphor is for most people device of the poetic imagination and rhetorical flourish -a
matter of extraordinary rather than ordinary language. Moreover, metaphor is typically
viewed as characteristic of language alone, a matter of words rather than thought or action.
For this reason, most people think they can get along perfectly well without metaphor. We
have found on the contrary, that metaphor is pervasive in everyday life, not just in language
but in thought and action. Our ordinary conceptual system, in terms of which we both think
and act, is fundamentally metaphorical in nature. Lakofff and Johnson (2003).
TYPES OF METAPHORS
COMMON TYPES
Dead Metaphor
A dead metaphor is one in which the sense of a transferred image is absent. Examples:
"to grasp a concept" and "to gather what you've understood" use physical action as a
metaphor for understanding. Most people do not visualize the action — dead metaphors
normally go unnoticed. Some people distinguish between a dead metaphor and a cliché.
Others use "dead metaphor" to denote both. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Extended Metaphor (conceit)
Extended metaphor establishes a principal subject (comparison) and subsidiary
subjects (comparisons). The As You Like It quotation is a good example, the world is
described as a stage, and then men and women are subsidiary subjects further described in the
same context. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
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Mixed Metaphor
Mixed metaphor is one that leaps from one identification to a second identification
inconsistent with the first. Example: "If we can hit that bullseye then the rest of the dominoes
will fall like a house of cards... Checkmate." Quote from Futurama TV show character Zapp
Brannigan. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Absolute Metaphor
Absolute metaphor denotes a figure or a concept that cannot be reduced to, or
replaced with solely conceptual thought and language. Absolute metaphors, e.g. “light” (for
“truth”) and “seafaring” (for “human existence”) – have distinctive meanings (unlike the
literal meanings), and, thereby, function as orientations in the world, and as theoretic
questions, such as presenting the world as a whole. Because they exist at the pre -predicative
level, express and structure pragmatic and theoretical views of Man and the World.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
UNCOMMON TYPES
Absolute or Paralogical Metaphor
Absolute or Paralogical metaphor (sometimes called an anti -metaphor) is one in
which there is no discernible point of resemblance between the idea and the image. e.g.
“light” as a metaphor for virtue. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Active Metaphor
Active metaphor is one which by contrast to a dead metaphor, is not part of daily
language and is noticeable as a metaphor. (http ://en. wikip edia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Complex Metaphor
Complex Metaphor is one which mounts one identification on another. Example:
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"That throws some light on the question." Throwing light is a metaphor: there is no actual
light, and a question is not the sort of thing that can be lit up.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Compound or Loose Metaphor
Compound or Loose Metaphor is one that catches the mind with several points of
similarity. Example: "He has the wild stag's foot." This phrase suggests grace and speed as
well as daring. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Dying Metaphor
Dying Metaphor is a pejorative term coined by George Orwell in his essay Politics
and the English Language. Orwell defines a dying metaphor as a metaphor that isn't dead
(dead metaphors are different, as they are treated like ordinary words), but has bee n worn out
and is used because it saves people the trouble of inventing an original phrase for themselves.
In short, a cliché. Example: Achilles' heel. Orwell suggests that writers scan their work for
such dying forms that they have 'been seen regularly before in print' and replace them with
alternative language patterns. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Epic Metaphor or Homeric Simile
Epic Metaphor or Homeric Simile is an extended metaphor containing details about
the vehicle that are not, in fact, necessary for the metaphoric purpose. This can be extended to
humorous lengths, for instance: "This is a crisis. A large crisis. In fact, if you've got a
moment, it's a twelve-storey crisis with a magnificent entrance hall, carpeting throughout, 24 hour porterage and an enormous sign on the roof saying 'This Is a Large Crisis.'"
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
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Implicit Metaphor
Implicit Metaphor is one in which the tenor is not specified but implied. Example:
"Shut your trap!" Here, the mouth of the listener is the unspecified tenor.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Implied or Unstated Metaphor
Implied or Unstated Metaphor is a metaphor not explicitly stated or obvious that
compares two things by using adjectives that commonly describe one thing, but are used to
describe another comparing the two. An example: "Golden baked skin", comparing bakery
goods to skin or "green blades of nausea", comparing green grass to the pallor of a nau seated
person or "leafy golden sunset" comparing the sunset to a tree in the fall.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Simple or Tight Metaphor
Simple or Tight Metaphor is one in which there is but one point of resemblance
between the tenor and the vehicle. Example: "Cool it". In this example, the vehicle, "Cool",
is a temperature and nothing else, so the tenor, "it", can only be grounded to the vehicle by one
attribute. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Submerged Metaphor
Submerged Metaphor is one in which the vehicle is implied, or indicated by one
aspect. Example: "my winged thought". Here, the audience must supply the image of the bird.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Synecdochic Metaphor
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Synecdochic Metaphor is a trope that is both a metaphor and a synecdoche in wh ich a
small part of something is chosen to represent the whole so as to highlight certain elements of
the whole. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor)
Unconventional Metaphor
According to (Levinson, 1983:147-162) unconventional metaphor is a metaphor whose
meaning is not or has not been fixed, so their understanding is dependent on context. The
metaphors of this kind are often used in writings, advertisements and everyday conversations.
RESEARCH METHOD
Research Design
The methods used in this research are qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative method is a
research procedure that produces descriptive data such as written words or verbal expression
from the people and their behavior that have been observed. (Bogdan & Taylor, 1975:5).
Source of the Data
Sources of data in this study are The Jakarta Post and Kompas Newspapers, which appeared
Tuesday on August 10, 2010. The newspaper was selected as the data source because it
contains many metaphors.
Data Collection Procedure
The writer uses several data collection procedures as follows:
1) Read the whole page newspaper The Jakarta Post and Kompas used as a data source.
2) Identify English metaphors from The Jakarta Post newspaper.
3) Identify Indonesia metaphors from the Kompas newspaper.
4) Type in the article as the data from these papers with a total of 5000 words of each
newspaper.
5) List the metaphors into a table.
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Data Analysis Procedure
Data analysis is process of data organization and sort data into pattern, category, and
set of base description so that the theme can be found and the working hypoth esis can be
formulated as suggested by data. (Moleong, 1994:103). After collecting the data, the writer
analyzes the data by doing:
Editing
The data that has been collected is to edit, because there may be some mistakes when
they
are
removed
from
the
source
into
the
research.
Data Preduction
a) Calculate how often metaphors are used in each newspaper.
b) Categorize the types of metaphors in each newspaper.
Data Presentation
The data are represented in tables and in Pie charts.
Data interpretation
The writer interprets the data by providing an explanation for the data that has been
collected and provide further information about the metaphor.
RESULT OF THE STUDY AND DISCUSSION
Result of the Study and Discussions
The Metaphors in The Jakarta Post and Kompas Newspaper
There are two newspapers that become the sources of the data, namely The Jakarta
Post and Kompas newspapers. Of 5.000 words analyzed in The Jakarta Post, there are 132
metaphors identified and of 5.000 words in Kompas, there are 158 metaphors identified.
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The following lists show the metaphors identified in The Jakarta Post and in Kompas
newspapers.
No.
The Jakarta Post
Types of Metaphor
1.
Oversaw crimes of savagery a generation ago.
Dying metaphor
2.
He will spend the next 19 years in jail.
Dying metaphor
3.
Political scapegoats.
4.
Killing fields.
5.
The
6.
impunity.
Dying metaphor
7.
End up in jail.
Active metaphor
8.
The word justice has little meaning.
rich
and
Absolute metaphor
Unconventional metaphor
powerful
have
enjoyed
near
Dying metaphor
Unconventional metaphor
Critics are quick to point out the process was
9.
flawed from the start.
Active metaphor
10.
The broad daylight killing.
Dying metaphor
No.
Kompas
Types of Metaphor
1.
Indonesia menjadi “negara gagal”.
2.
Merebaknya aksi teror.
Dying metaphor
3.
Masalah-masalah yang membelitnya.
Dying metaphor
4.
Tereduksinya keluhuran politik.
5.
Politik
praktis
berdurasi
Compound metaphor
Compound metaphor
pendek, kerdil, dan
bernuansa sempit.
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Epic metaphor
6.
Kekerasan yang merebak.
7.
Sporadis.
8.
Berkembang suburnya sisi kekerdilan manusia.
9.
Doktrin sempit agama.
Absolute metaphor
10.
Krisis identitas.
Absolute metaphor
Dying metaphor
Absolute metaphor
Active metaphor
The Frequency of Metaphors Found in The The Jakarta Post and in Kompas
Newspapers
The frequency of metaphors in The Jakarta Post
In the articles there consists of 5.000 words that had been analyzed which had a
number of 132 words of metaphors that were divided into the types of metaphors in The
Jakarta Post. There are 7 types, this can be seen in the following:
No.
Types of metaphors
Frequency
Percentage
1.
Dead Metaphor
1
0.75 %
2.
Absolute Metaphor
5
3.78 %
3.
Active Metaphor
41
31.0 %
4.
Compound Metaphor
1
0.75 %
5.
Dying Metaphor
61
46.2 %
6.
Epic Metaphor
13
9.84 %
7.
Unconventional Metaphor
10
7.5 %
132 Metaphors
100 %
TOTAL
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This also can be seen in the following of figurative Pie Chart:
dead metaphor
absolute metaphor
active metaphor
compound metaphor
dying
metaph or
epic
metaphor unconventional
metaphor
4.2.2 The frequency of metaphors in Kompas
In the articles there are consists of 5.000 words that had been analyzed which has a
number of 158 words of metaphors that divided into the types of metaphors in Kompas.
There are 8 types, this can be seen in the following:
No.
Types of metaphors
Frequency
Percentage
1.
Dead Metaphor
9
5.69 %
2.
Absolute Metaphor
11
6.96 %
3.
Active Metaphor
31
19.6 %
4.
Compound Metaphor
24
15.1 %
5.
Dying Metaphor
68
43.0 %
6.
Epic Metaphor
6
3.79 %
7.
Synecdoche Metaphor
1
0.63 %
8.
Unconventional Metaphor
8
5.06 %
158 metaphors
100 %
TOTAL
This also can be seen in the following of figurative Pie Chart:
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dead metaphor
absolute metaphor
active metaphor
compound metaphor
dying metaphor
epic metaphor
synecdochic metaphor
unconventional metaphor
The Types of Metaphors Used in The Jakarta Post and Kompas
Types of metaphors in The Jakarta Post
Dead Metaphor
A metaphor that has lost the true meaning of metaphor where the people can be
understand without knowing the earlier connotation. The frequency is 1 word and have a
calculate 0.75 %.
Example : Arms’ length help from the US.
Absolute Metaphor
A concept of metaphor that cannot be reduced to, or replaced with solely
conceptual thought and language. The frequency is 5 words and have a calculate 3.78 %.
Example : Political scapegoats.
Active Metaphor
The metaphor that are not part of everyday language and it seen as a metaphor. The
frequency is 41 words and have a calculate 31.0 %.
Example : The word justice has little meaning.
Compound or Loose Metaphor
A metaphor which is the only one who can captures the mind with some points in
common. The frequency is 1 word and have a calculate 0.75 %.
Example : But when will the time ever be ripe?
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Dying Metaphor
Metaphors are treated like ordinary words. The frequency is 61 words and have a
calculate 46.2 %.
Example : Solve this conflict.
Epic Metaphor
Metaphor which is containing the details of along and needed to show metaphor. The
frequency is 13 words and have a calculate 9.84 %.
Example : While himself has no political power and little money, many Cambodian’s
disappointment with what they see as a too lenient sentence.
Unconventional Metaphor
Metaphor that has meaning is not fixed and depends on the context of sentences. The
frequency is 10 words and has a count of 7.5%.
Example : Critics are quick to point out the process was flawed from the start.
Types of metaphors in Kompas
Dead Metaphor
A metaphor that has lost the true meaning of metaphor where the people can be
understand without knowing the earlier connotation. The frequency is 9 words and have a
calculate 5.69 %.
Example : Batu sendi dasar ideologi bernegara.
Absolute Metaphor
A concept of metaphor that cannot be reduced to, or replaced with solely conceptual
thought and language. The frequency is 11 words and have a calculate 6.96 %.
Example : Sporadis.
Active Metaphor
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The metaphor that are not part of everyday language and it seen as a metaphor. The
frequency is 31 words and have a calculate 19.6 %.
Example : Ibarat berseru di padang pasir.
Compound or Loose Metaphor
A metaphor which is the only one who can captures the mind with some points in
common. The frequency is 24 words and have a calculate 15.1 %.
Example : Indonesia menjadi “negara gagal”.
Dying Metaphor
Metaphors are treated like ordinary words. The frequency is 68 words and have a
calculate 43.0 %.
Example : Masalah-masalah yang membelitnya.
Epic Metaphor
Metaphor which is containing the details of along and needed to show metaphor. The
frequency is 6 words and have a calculate 3.79 %.
Example : Politik praktis berdurasi pendek, kerdil, dan bernuansa sempit.
Synecdoche Metaphor
Metaphor which small part of something that was selected to represent the overall.
The frequency is 1 word and have a calculate 0.63 %.
Example : Elemen bangsa.
Unconventional Metaphor
Metaphor that has meaning is not fixed and depends on the context of sentences. The
frequency is 8 words and have a calculate 5.06 %.
Example : Mencegah pelapukan saat ini.
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
Conclusion
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This implies that out of 100 metaphors, there are 2 metaphors in The Jakarta Post.
Meanwhile, out of 100 metaphors in Kompas, there are 3 metaphors. The types of metaphors
found in The Jakarta Post are; one dead metaphor, five absolute metaphors, forty-one active
metaphors, one compound metaphor, sixty-one dying metaphors, thirteen epic metaphors, and
ten unconventional metaphors. Meanwhile, the types of metaphors found in Kompas are; nine
dead metaphors, eleven absolute metaphors, thirty-one active metaphors, twenty-four
compound metaphors, sixty-eight dying metaphors, six epic metaphors, one synecdoche
metaphor, and eight unconventional metaphors.
Suggestion
The writer in this study would like to suggest to the readers that if we want to
understand a sentence containing metaphors. First, we must understand the definition of
metaphor, then read the full and see the context of sentences that contain metaphors, then we
can know what the meaning of the sentence these.
If other writers are interested in analyzing figurative language in the newspapers or
short stories, there are several other types of figurative language that states the form of
comparison than a metaphor, namely similes, personification, synecdoche, and metonymy. In
addition there are also other forms of figurative language that can be used for other writers
to a broader exploration.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Pusat Pembinaan dan Pengembangan Bahasa.
Bogdan, R. and Taylor, S. J. (1975). Introduction to Qualitative Research Method. New
York: John Wiley & Son.
Grambs. (1985). Literary Companion Dictionary. New York: Hartnoll Print. Boadmin,
Cornwall.
Henle. (1958). “ Metaphor” in Language , Thought, and Culture. Paul Henle (ed.) page. 173195. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press.
Knickerbocker, K. L. and Reninger. H. W. (1963). Interpreting Literature. New York: Holt,
Rinehart and Winston.
Lakoff, G. and Johnson, M. (2003). Metaphors We Live By, Chicago: University of Chicago
Press.
Lappin. (1981). Sorts, Ontology, and Metaphor. Berlin: de Gruyter.
Levinson, C. (1983). Pragmatics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Moleong, J. (1994). Metodologi Penelitian Kualitatif. Bandung: PT. Remaja Rosdakarya.
Sumadi, S. (2004). Metodologi Penelitian. Jakarta: PT. Raja Grafindo Persada.
Wilkinson, David. (2000). The Researcher’s Toolkit (The Complete Guide to Practice
Research). New York and Canada. Routledge Falmer.
Websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor
http://theliterarylink.com/metaphors.html
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