Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing Metaphors and your brain. How figurative language works, with Dr. Vicky Lai
Jul 10, 2025
Join cognitive scientist Dr. Vicky Lai from the University of Arizona as she unpacks the fascinating world of metaphors in our daily language. Discover how not only do metaphors shape our communication, but they can also influence cognitive processing and even emotional health, particularly in cancer survivors. Dr. Lai discusses the intriguing role of irony in emotional regulation and its power to alleviate negativity. Tune in for a mind-expanding conversation on how figurative language connects to our thoughts and feelings!
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Metaphor's Role in Thought
- Metaphors are very common in daily speech, with about 1.8 novel and 4 frozen metaphors used per minute on average.
- They connect abstract ideas to concrete experiences, helping us understand complex concepts by relating distant concepts in our minds.
Brain Processes Metaphors Uniquely
- Brain activity differs when processing metaphors versus literal language despite similar reading times.
- EEG studies show distinct neural resources support metaphor comprehension beyond just reading speed.
Metaphoric Action Triggers Motor Brain
- Novel metaphors activate motor and sensory brain regions while frozen ones rely on abstract language areas.
- Our brain engages the same neural regions involved in physical actions when processing metaphoric action verbs.
