Metaphor and meaning: Analysing metaphor use in the creative work of second language learners of English

Abstract

This article explores the significance of metaphors in the creative work of second language learners of English. Metaphor, as viewed in this article, is not only a poetic device or a literary tool, but is recognised as a crucial part of our everyday thinking and meaning making. Essay writing is a genre of discourse that lends itself to sharing thoughts and reflecting on life and important issues.  Teaching and assessment practices in creative writing are studied against the background of the apparent difficulty learners experience with English as their second language. The article argues that recognition should be given to the particular ways in which learners are able to express themselves and to create meaning in a second language by means of metaphor. An analysis was undertaken of the metaphors created by learners in their second language as an expression of their life worlds. The implications for teaching and assessment of learners’ creative writing work suggest a move away from reading only for errors towards recognising learners’ ability to create meaning.