The Conceptual Metaphor of “Time” in the Novel “Chao Chan Phom Hom Nirath Phra That In Khwaen” by Mala Khamchan

Abstract

The conceptual metaphor of “time” in the novel “Chao Chan Phom Hom Nirath Phra That In Khwaen” by Mala Khamchan is represented in various linguistic forms. 1) Time” collocates with body parts, particularly the term “/huǎ:/ head” as in / huǎ: rûŋ/ huǎ: cháw/, / huǎ: dɯ̀k/  these forms are associated with motion verbs such as “/khɯ̂n/”, “/lōŋ/”, “/tòk/”, “/yâ:ŋ /”, “/ʔɔ:̂m/”, “/thɛ̄:ŋ/”. 2) “Time” conveys “age”. It co-occurs with “/khɯ̂n /” and “/yâ:ŋ/”. 3) “Time” collocates with motion verbs: “/lōŋ/”, “/tòk/”and “/klā:ŋ/” 4) “Time” is found in combination with words related to nature: “/ʔɔ:̂m/” and “/thɛ̄:ŋ/”. Conceptually, the study identifies three metaphorical representations of time: 1. TIME IS BODY, 2. TIME IS HUMAN, and 3. TIME IS WEAPON. These metaphors illustrate the semantic extension from abstract to concrete, making the concept of time more tangible. Meanwhile, they reflect how the perception of time varies depending upon the narrative context, revealing the worldview and cognitive patterns of Northern Thai speakers.