Food for thought: metaphors in the EFL classroom

We use metaphorical language all the time when we speak or write in English, yet it is often neglected in the teaching of English. This conference presentation focused on how exploring figurative language with learners of English can help improve their vocabulary, expand their knowledge of idioms and collocation, and improve their cultural awareness. The presentation began by analysing some authentic examples of figurative language in order to pinpoint some general issues relevant to classroom teachers, including the fact that metaphorical language is often culturally specific, and that its use ranges from conventional (recorded in dictionaries) to more creative and original (often found in literary texts, songs or adverts). Different categories of classroom activities were then presented.