Exploring College English Reading Teaching from the Perspective of Metaphorical Awareness Cultivation

Tao Zhiping

School of Foreign Languages, Nanchang Normal University

Abstract：

Metaphor is not merely a rhetorical device but a fundamental cognitive mechanism for humans. Metaphorical expressions abound in college English reading materials and largely determine learners' understanding of implicit textual meanings. However, current reading instruction prioritizes vocabulary and grammar while neglecting metaphorical awareness cultivation. As a result, students tend to obtain only literal information and fail to grasp authors' attitudes, emotions and cultural connotations. Based on the status quo of college English reading teaching, this paper explores the correlation between metaphorical thinking and reading comprehension, analyzes reading obstacles arising from insufficient metaphorical awareness, and puts forward feasible strategies concerning metaphorical awareness cultivation, tenor-vehicle similarity analysis and cultural connotation interpretation. It aims to provide references for improving college students' reading proficiency and critical thinking competence.

Key Words：

metaphorical awareness; college English; reading teaching; critical thinking; cultural connotation