Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2025
10:14
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Neurorehabilitation Through EEG, Motor Imagery, and Virtual Reality
Published on: May 10, 2024
1.3K
Are metaphors embodied? The neural evidence
1Department of Psychology, Institute for Mind and Brain, University of South Carolina, Discovery I Building, Rm 227, 915 Greene St, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA. rutvik@sc.edu.
Psychological Research
|November 11, 2021
Summary
Metaphors are grounded in sensory-motor systems, invoking simulations when processed. Evidence from neuroimaging and lesion studies supports this embodied cognition view for language comprehension.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Linguistics
- Psychology
Background:
- Abstract concepts are often understood via metaphorical mappings to concrete experiences.
- This suggests that processing linguistic metaphors may activate sensory-motor systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neuroimaging and lesion study evidence for embodied metaphor processing.
- To examine the grounding of metaphors and idioms in sensory-motor systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of neuroimaging studies on metaphor processing.
- Analysis of lesion studies investigating sensory-motor domains.
- Evaluation of studies on idioms and non-linguistic metaphoric organization.
Main Results:
- Weight of evidence supports metaphors being grounded in sensory-motor systems.
- Idioms show less clear grounding, potentially differing from higher-level metaphors.
- Non-linguistic neural evidence supports metaphoric organization for some abstract concepts.
Conclusions:
- Metaphors are largely embodied in sensory-motor systems.
- Idioms may have a distinct grounding mechanism.
- Metaphoric conceptual organization has neural evidence beyond linguistic metaphors.
Related Concept Videos
02:34Empathy
9.8K
Some researchers suggest that altruism operates on empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand another person’s perspective, to feel what he or she feels. An empathetic person makes an emotional connection with others and feels compelled to help (Batson, 1991). Empathy can be expressed in several ways, including cognitive, affective, and motor.
9.8K
01:37Reason and Intuition
7.0K
The human brain processes information for decision-making using one of two routes: an intuitive system and a rational system (Epstein, 1994; popularized by Kahneman, 2011 as System 1 and System 2, respectively). The intuitive system is quick, impulsive, and operates with minimal effort, relying on emotions or habits to provide cues for what to do next, while the rational system is logical, analytical, deliberate, and methodical. Research in neuropsychology suggests that the...
7.0K
01:13Nonconscious Mimicry
4.7K
Nonconscious mimicry occurs when individuals alter their mannerisms to match the behaviors and expressions of those nearby, without intention.
4.7K
01:17Cognitive Theories: Lazarus Mediational Theory of Emotion
1.3K
Richard Lazarus' cognitive mediational theory highlights the pivotal role of cognitive appraisal in shaping emotional responses. According to this theory, the evaluation of a stimulus — based on personal values, goals, beliefs, and expectations — mediates the emotional response. This appraisal process is immediate and often occurs unconsciously, influencing the intensity and nature of the resulting emotion.
Cognitive Appraisal and Emotional Response
Lazarus proposed that...
Cognitive Appraisal and Emotional Response
Lazarus proposed that...
1.3K
01:24Concepts and Prototypes
258
The human nervous system handles vast amounts of information by translating sensory stimuli into neural impulses, which the brain processes, creating thoughts expressed through language or stored as memories. The brain also synthesizes information from emotions and memories, which significantly influence thoughts and behaviors. This intricate process creates a comprehensive mental picture.
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
258
01:33Somatosensation
40.2K
The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.
40.2K