Abstract: Metaphor, considered as one of the most basic rhetoric for us English learners. It plays a very significant role as well as it expresses multiple language styles. Linguists from all over the world have systematic study on the theory of metaphor. From Aristotle to George Lakoff & Mark Johnson, they all make great contribution to the development of metaphor. Considered as the most common rhetoric, it has unique features of language style which distinguished with simile. These different features make it more various in the study of vocabulary, common communication and grammatical study. The characteristics of metaphor learning for secondary language learners will be presented by some experiments. And the features of 2nd language learning make it difficult in studying, the solution of these problems have great meaning in discussing the development of EFL learners’ metaphorical competence. In this thesis, we will do some research and summary on its practical functions in our daily life，which is bases on the previous theory generalized by former scholars. Based on the understanding of metaphor and its application mode, some examples are provided to discuss the definition, features and history. The common features of 2nd language learning decide some problems and difficulties of metaphor learning. This thesis will discuss the development of the metaphorical awareness of 2nd language learners, from the transformation of metaphor and combination of its features, giving a conclusion of comprehensive strategy and model of metaphor.

Key words: study of metaphor, development of metaphorical competence, instructive effect

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Retrospection of Metaphor.1

 2.1 Definition of Metaphor

 2.2 Features and Varieties of Metaphor

 2.3 Historical Study of Metaphor

3.The Application of Metaphor..4

 3.1 The Application of Metaphor in Vocabulary Study

 3.2 The Application of Metaphor in Daily Communication

 3.3 The Application of Metaphor in Grammatical Study

4. Development of L2 Metaphorical Competence.5

 4.1 Studies on L2 Metaphorical Competence

 4.1.1 The Development of Metaphorical Competence in L2 learners 

 4.1.2 Factors Affecting the Development of L2 Metaphorical Competence

 4.1.3 The Effect of Instruction on the Development of L2 MetaphoricalCompetence

4.2 The Comprehension Strategy and Model of Metaphor

5. Conclusion..9

  5.1 Summary of the Findings

  5.2 Suggestion for Feature Study

Bibliography.10

Acknowledge ...11