An Exploration of the Abstract Cognitive Function of Metaphors and Semantic Shifts

Abstract

Cognitive Func- tion of Metaphors and Semantic Shifts Shu Hongcheng School of Culture and Education, Tianfu College of SWUFE, Deyang, Sichuan , China *Corresponding author, E-mail:2205894590@qq.com Abstract Metaphor, a rhetorical device that has been widely used since ancient times, is not merely confined to the realm of rhetoric. It is a key mechanism for human beings to explore and understand abstract concepts and to drive the continuous evolution of word meanings. This article delves into the profound significance of metaphor and its crucial role in the process of human abstract cognition, aiming at analyzing its significant driving force in the process of semantic shifts. Firstly, the article traces the origin and development of metaphor-related con - cepts. From ancient literary works to modern psychological thinking, metaphor has always accompanied the progress of human civilization, gradually evolving from a simple rhetorical device into an important tool for understanding the w