Associational‐Metaphorical Activity: Another View of Language and Mind

Abstract

This paper extends Sapir's idea that language embodies intertwined and isolable patterns of two distinct orders—patterns of reference (in my terms, communication) and patterns of expression (associational‐metaphorical activity). Viewing language as a continuum of usages ranging from schizophrenic usage, at one extreme, to objective, representational usage at the other, associational‐metaphorical activity is seen as variously operative throughout. There are illustrations of how this dimension is woven into normal communication. Finally, there is speculation on the source of associational‐metaphorical activity and the light it throws on human mentality as projected in language.