We are all familiar with the metaphor. It is a fundamental part of our language to the point that we are often not aware when we are using it. The metaphor was long considered a linguistic embellishment along with the simile metonymy and analogy that offer alternatives to expressing the same ideas in literal language. That has now changed. With the understanding that a metaphor is a way of thinking we have ideas like ‘conceptual mapping’ and ‘blending’ which open new ways to understand language at a deeper level and appreciate the creativity that language makes possible. We have realised that metaphorical thinking is fundamental to our ability to make sense of the world.Beginning with the ground-breaking conceptual mapping ideas of George Lakoff we analyse metaphors and identify the source and target domains that provide the relationships and structure within both superordinate (top-level) and basic-level metaphors. We discuss standard widely-used and understood metaphors such as ‘life is a journey’ and ‘argument is war’. Explore the concept of the ‘conduit’ metaphor that presents language as a conduit through which words convey meaning. Explore how metaphors such as ‘the mind is a container’ and ‘ideas are objects’ provide a new perspective on communication. Marshall McLuhan’s idea of a ‘global village’ will be critically examined in relation to the power of the internet. Gain insight into how orientational metaphors are constructed using simple prepositions in ways that bring together a multitude of meaningful relationships - all of which are firmly fixed in our everyday language.By the end of this course you will be able to appreciate how metaphor is both a fundamental part of the language and a powerful creative device that expands the expressive potential of the language. Discover both the artistry and the power of metaphor gain a deeper appreciation of how you have access to a wealth of expressive potential and acquire new analytical powers to unearth the metaphorical treasures in texts and speech. Start this course and begin your linguistic journey today!