Metaphor and Metonymy in Public “Linguistic” Discussions: The Case of Female Surnames in Contemporary Czech

Abstract

Czech is a flective Slavic language that traditionally expresses gender in female surnames by suffixation. The formation of female surnames of Czech citizens is regulated by Czech law. The surnames and the related law repeatedly attract the attention of non-linguists and are discussed in the public arena. The study analyses metaphors and metonymies used in these discussions involving non-linguists. The data for the analysis are collected from public discourse, especially from newspapers and magazines. Although the main topic of the public discussions is “linguistic”, the material reveals much about Czech speakers’ understanding of other, non-linguistic topics, such as the role of the state, state legislation, and personal freedom of choice. The discussions show parts of the folk theory of language as well. The repertoire of metaphors and metonymies used in the discussions is rich and it concerns three main target domains (language; law and the state; discussion and argumentation). Many non-linguists who participate in this type of public discussion today tend to see individual freedom as more important than any linguistic tradition.