Published In
Metaphor and Symbol
Document Type
Post-Print
Publication Date
4-1-2009
Subjects
Metaphor, Language and languages -- Style, Communication in science
Abstract
In this essay we argue that metaphor and language play generally should be analyzed in the context of actual conversations, not as a peripheral or incidental part of the discourse, but as an integral part of both topic-centered and relational work. We examine several instances of playful metaphor, humor, and irony that occurred during a one-hour focus-group discussion among a group of scientists discussing their role in communicating about science with laypersons. During the course of this discussion, word play, humorous insults, and the elaboration and reconstruction of metaphorical idioms are used for a variety of purposes, including reinforcement of group boundaries, re-constitution of the group's assigned task, and joint development of a complex set of ideas about group members' identities as scientists working in a publicly-funded lab. Throughout this conversation the social structuring and relational functions of playfulness and metaphor interacts with the accomplishment of the purposes of the conversation. We argue that analysis of language play, humor, and metaphor is strengthened by attention to the purpose of the talk and, conversely, understanding how the purpose of talk is accomplished is strengthened by attention to the participants' use of playful, metaphorical, and humorous language.
Rights
Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Locate the Document
DOI
10.1080/10926480902830847
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/8694
Citation Details
Published as: David Ritchie, L., & Schell, C. (2009). “The ivory tower” on an “unstable foundation”: Playful Language, Humor, and Metaphor in the Negotiation of Scientists’ Identities. Metaphor and Symbol, 24(2), 90-104.
Description
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Metaphor and Symbol. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Metaphor and Symbol, Vol. 24, Issue 2, 2009.