CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS IN PEDAGOGICAL DISCOURSE

Conceptual metaphors play a crucial role in shaping how teaching, learning, and educational processes are understood and communicated. Within pedagogical discourse, metaphors are not merely decorative linguistic devices; rather, they function as cognitive tools that structure thought, influence instructional practices, and affect teachers’ and learners’ perceptions of knowledge, learning, and classroom interaction. This article examines the role of conceptual metaphors in pedagogical discourse from the perspective of Conceptual Metaphor Theory proposed by Lakoff and Johnson. The study analyzes common metaphorical models in education such as LEARNING IS A JOURNEY, TEACHER IS A GUIDE, KNOWLEDGE IS A CONTAINER, and LEARNING IS CONSTRUCTION, highlighting their cognitive, pedagogical, and ideological implications. The article argues that raising awareness of conceptual metaphors among educators can lead to more reflective, flexible, and learner-centered teaching practices.