CMN 121 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Literal And Figurative Language, Lexical Decision Task
Document Summary
Assess appropriateness of literal meaning given context. Because it"s figurative language, it will not match literal meaning. If literal meaning is wrong, derive figurative meaning. Literal meaning is not accessed prior to figurative or intended meaning. Literal meaning is not rejected prior to figurative understanding. Inferences not required for contextually relevant figurative language. The belief that hard work is a ladder is common to this generation (familiar) Then they make lexical decision after word ladder . Familiar metaphors both literal & metaphorical meanings activated upon hearing word. No difference between response time between literal & figurative. But responses for both are faster than the unrelated (pastry) Less familiar metaphors literal meaning activated 1st prior to metaphorical meaning. Literal target rung is associated with word ladder whereas metaphorical target advance related to entire sentence. Full sentence helps you figure out the figurative meaning. Read stories that end in sentence with either literal question or indirect request.
