Raising Awareness on the Turkish Learners of English about the Arbitrary Nature of Figurative Expressions

Abstract

In this paper, we have tried to highlight the significance of the arbitrary nature of figurative expressions for Turkish learners of English by comparing English metaphors, similes, idioms, proverbs, sayings and collocations with their closest Turkish equivalents. If figurative expressions are interpreted literally or translated word for word, they sound like nonsense. From the viewpoint of affective communication, the inaccuracy or inappropriateness of the informative connotations of our words is irrelevant. Therefore, we may refer to the moon as “a beautiful lady”, “a grandfather”, “a tray”, or “silver ship” or anything as long as the words arouse the desired feeling. For that reason, literary works are difficult to translate from one language to another because regarding only the informative connotations will often falsify the affective connotations. Figurative expressions are based on some supplementary complements in the primary meaning, and they are often arbitrary and conventional. Therefore, they are usually specific to a particular culture and language. For example, “an owl” is considered to be exceptionally clever in Western culture, but its most important connotation in Turkish culture is that it brings bad luck. The traits assigned to animals and entities differ from culture to culture. Thus, to comprehend such figurative expressions and translate them properly is impossible without knowing their closest equivalents in the relevant languages. We can see the arbitrary nature of figurative expressions clearly by examining some metaphors, similes, idioms, proverbs, sayings and collocations and their equivalents in the target language. We are of the opinion that this activity will enable us to raise awareness among Turkish learners of English, particularly prospective teachers of English, so that they will have the chance of becoming competent speakers and writers.