Changes in the conceptualization of “face” in Polish from the 19th century to the present day

Abstract This paper analyzes the evolution of metaphors referring to “face” in Polish from the 19th century to the present. We argue that diachronic analysis allows us to enhance and complete cognitive linguistics research. We argue that there is no evidence that in 19th-century Polish, “face” indicated honor. It appears to be an early 20th-century Chinese loanword (and concept) that came to Polish via French but was adopted much later, via English. This case shows why historical cognitive linguistics and synchronic cognitive linguistics need each other. Thanks to a historical perspective, it is possible to assess the durability of specific metaphorical schemes, trace their evolution resulting from cultural and social changes, and detect the emergence of new, trans-lingual conceptualizations.