Conversational metaphorical speech acts in Saudi Arabic

Alshahrani, N. N. (2026) Conversational metaphorical speech acts in Saudi Arabic. PhD thesis, University of Reading. doi: 10.48683/1926.00129755

Abstract/Summary

This study explores how metaphor functions in informal Saudi Arabic conversations, focusing on its role in everyday spoken and written interactions. While previous research has emphasised metaphor in public discourse, this study highlights its use in casual, culturally embedded contexts to manage interaction, express emotion, and perform social actions. To describe metaphorical expressions that enact communicative functions, the study introduces the term Conversational Metaphorical Speech Acts (CMSA). The analysis applies a multidimensional framework integrating structural, contextual, conceptual, and functional aspects. Data were collected from natural social visits, celebratory gatherings, and WhatsApp chats involving Saudi women aged 20 to 80. A total of 173 metaphorical expressions were identified, including 148 verbal and 25 multimodal metaphors (emojis and stickers). Findings show metaphors occurred in bursts, clusters, and at key turn positions, shaping interaction. A generational tendency emerged: younger speakers used modern, humorous metaphors; older participants favoured traditional, proverb-based expressions. Conceptual mappings linked concrete source domains (such as body parts) to abstract targets (such as emotions), with directionality and reversibility. Functionally, metaphors most often enacted expressive acts, followed by representative, directive, and less commonly, commissive acts. Visual metaphors (emojis and stickers) enhanced meaning in digital interactions. This study contributes a culturally grounded model of metaphor as pragmatic, interactive, and multimodal communication.

Item Type	Thesis (PhD)
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/129755
Identification Number/DOI	10.48683/1926.00129755
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Literature and Languages > English Language and Applied Linguistics
Date on Title Page	October 2025
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