The Critique of Unidirectionality in Conceptual Metaphor Theory

Conceptual metaphor theory, derived from cognitive linguistics, has been the focus of much attention in the last two decades by scholars, including Iranians. This theory has some weaknesses that can be refined by its critique and analysis. Lakoff and Johnson claim that metaphorical mapping always directed from the source domain to the target domaim, not vice versa. This article is intended to criticize and reinforce unidirectionality. We have found that, contrary to Lakoff and Johnson's view, metaphorical mapping is bidirectional, and as we organize and introduce the target domain through the source domain, we can also organize the source domain according to the target domain. But if we consider the Point of similarity that is ignored by Lakoff and Johnson, it cannot be said that two domains cannot be accommodated to express a concept or a Point of similarity. That is, by considering the pseudonym or the single concept, metaphorical mapping becomes unidirectionality, except in metaphors where the Point of similarity is as much a description of both domains.