Metaphoric Amalgams and Metaphoric Chains

Metaphoric integrations are formed by combining two or more metaphors. Different types of metaphoric combinations lead to forming complex or macro-metaphors. The aim of this article is to introduce these metaphoric integrations and then categorize and compare them regarding the mechanism of their conceptualization. During recent years, two kinds of complex metaphors have been introduced according to the type of integration: metaphoric amalgams and metaphoric chains. In the former, two or more unchained primary metaphors are integrated, while in the latter, two metaphors are chained in the way that the target domain of the first metaphor is the source domain of the subsequent metaphor. This study suggests that five different mechanisms play a role in the formation of metaphoric integrations, each leading to a multifaceted conceptualization, and each facet is related to one of the constituent micro-metaphors. Given the importance of multifaceted conceptualization, it is necessary to identify and determine the nature of metaphoric integrations for complete transfer of meaning in translation process.