Metaphors do not only represent a different way of expressing something, but they can also represent an irreplaceable way of expression. Eventhough a metaphor was once only a lyrical expressive means, today it is known that we use it very frequently in our everyday communication.
The main purpose of this study was to find out whether there is a difference in understanding metaphors among the pupils of the 1st, 3rd and 5th grade of primary school, taking in account their age, gender and type of metaphors. We gathered the data by using the semi-structured interview. The study included 30 pupils, 10 first-graders, 10 third-graders and 10 fifth-graders. The analysis of the results showed that understanding metaphors depends on pupils' age and gender. Fifth-graders understood metaphors better than third-graders and first-graders, better understanding of metaphors was also shown by girls in comparison with the boys. The analysis also showed that understanding metaphors did not depend on the type of metaphors. Proportional metaphors were not more difficult to understand than similarity metaphors.
|
