Framing menopause from negative emotional language A study of metaphors in medical discourse

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Portada Cultura, Lenguaje y Representación 34, 2024
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Published: Nov 13, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6035/clr.7890
Keywords:
Corpus-based analysis, Semantic tags, Emotions, Conceptual metaphor, Metaphorical framing, Menopause

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Chelo Vargas Sierra
University of Alacant
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4026-4372

Abstract

This study adopts a corpus-based approach to the analysis of how the discourse of menopause is framed metaphorically, with a specific focus on negative emotional language. Using Wmatrix for the corpus analysis, the study takes as a starting point semantic tags for the most frequent emotions. Metaphorical expressions related to different aspects of menopause are extracted from the corpus and analyzed, in terms of biological processes and associated emotional and mental states. The aim is to reveal the most prominent metaphorical frames that emerge in such discourse, assessing their influence in shaping the conceptualization of menopause and underscoring their effect on societal perceptions of this stage in women’s life. Key findings highlight four dominant framings: menopause as emotional turbulence, as disruptive change, as hormonal conflict, and as a challenge to societal and personal identity. The study concludes that dominant metaphorical framings of menopause reinforce stereotypes about women by presenting this stage of life as marked by emotional turmoil, loss of identity and symptoms of various kinds, thus shaping social perceptions that oversimplify and negatively color this important life transition.

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How to Cite
Vargas Sierra, C. (2024). Framing menopause from negative emotional language: A study of metaphors in medical discourse. Culture, Language and Representation, 34, 15–36. https://doi.org/10.6035/clr.7890
Issue
Vol. 34 (2024): Women and metaphors. Terminology, lexis and representations on women health’s issues in biomedical discourse.
Section
ARTÍCULOS / ARTICLES
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