Abstract:Conceptual metaphor is a cognitive mechanism. It can facilitate interpreting an abstract and complex concept in terms of a specific and simple concept. To some extent, it is also a linguistic law. Traditional English vocabulary teaching methods are unsatisfactory in one way or another. The strengths of conceptual metaphor can make up for some drawbacks of current English vocabulary teaching methods. This thesis makes a brief introduction of conceptual metaphor theory and explores its feasibility of using conceptual metaphor in English vocabulary teaching in aspects of polysemy, prepositions,  idioms and proverbs and word connections and then explores strategies of English vocabulary teaching based on conceptual metaphor. The new ways of teaching English vocabulary based on conceptual theory will greatly improve students’ learning efficiency.

Keywords: conceptual metaphor; English vocabulary teaching; feasibility;

strategies

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

2.1 Conceptual Metaphor Theory-2

2.2 Studies on Applying Conceptual Metaphor to Vocabulary Teaching-3

3. The Feasibility of Using Conceptual Metaphor in English Vocabulary Teaching-4

3.1 Metaphorical Analysis of Polysemy-4

3.2 Metaphorical Analysis of Prepositions-5

3.3 Metaphorical Analysis of Idioms and Proverbs-6

3.4 Metaphorical Analysis of Word Connections-7

4. Strategies of Using Conceptual Metaphor in Vocabulary Teaching-8

4.1 Developing the Ways of Metaphor Thinking-8

4.2 Realizing the Cultural Features of Metaphor Phenomenon-9

4.3 Understanding the Metaphorical Vocabulary in Cognitive Contexts-10

4.4 Deepening Understanding by Association-10

5. Conclusion-12

Works Cited-13