ABSTRACT
In this chapter we explore the language of emotion, especially the role of metaphor. Metaphor pervades the everyday language people use to talk about emotions. It also pervades the language that scientists use in their theories and research on emotion. It is known that metaphor is an important tool in the analysis of scientific theories and research (see, for instance, Gentner & Grudin, 1985; Hesse, 1966; Hoffman, Cochran, & Nead, 1990; Turbayne, 1971). Analysis of the metaphors reveals underlying assumptions and mental models which can be refined or refuted. It is possible that analysis of metaphors for emotion may reveal the assumptions of theories of emotion, and might also suggest new directions for research.
