THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL BACKGROUND ON METAPHOR INTERPRETATION

Abstract

Metaphors play a crucial role in human communication by allowing speakers to express abstract ideas through familiar images and experiences. However, the interpretation of metaphors varies across cultures because individuals rely on their cultural knowledge, worldview, and social norms to decode figurative meaning. This article explores how cultural background influences metaphor interpretation and examines the cognitive and linguistic mechanisms behind this variation. The study highlights the role of cultural models, conceptual metaphors, and shared experiences in shaping metaphor comprehension. It also analyzes scholarly perspectives on the relationship between culture and figurative language, demonstrating how cultural context affects both metaphor creation and understanding