Exploring the Functional and Semantic Fields of ‘Heaven’ and ‘Hell’ Conceptual Metaphors in Media News Headlines

The research aims to conduct a functional analysis of the opposing conceptual metaphors ‘heaven’ and ‘hell’ within English headlines from BBC Guardian news between 1999 2023. relevance this study lies in need explore lexical meaning fundamental theological terms based on unreal cognitive constructs context evolving social paradigms. Various methods were employed, including continuous sampling, classification, thematic analysis, definition semantic analysis. findings indicate that metaphor possesses broader field compared ‘heaven,’ both function. Metaphorical usage is prevalent, but also feature idiomatic, emphatic, allusive, direct, zeugmatic phrases, contaminations. These encompass areas with polar connotational meanings: Hell: Politics (political instability, struggle, political figure replacement, anti-crisis measures), Social life (reforms, discrimination, limitations, mandatory expenses), Crimes (abuses, threats, harassment, assaults, victims), Nature (natural disasters, difficult conditions, environmental catastrophes), Sport (injuries, competition, psychological attacks, overcoming), Entertainment (poor quality service, bad habits, imbalance, disruptions), Travel (unforeseen circumstances, transport collapses), Culture (culture shock). Heaven: decisions, electoral victories), (festivals, feasts, family relations, relationships generations), (controversy resolution, search for solutions), (biodiversity, renewal nature), (victories, lucrative contracts, goal achievement), (parties, bright performances, romanticism), (pleasure, rest, (acquaintance outstanding cultural objects, visiting events). This demonstrates dichotomous representation marked by polyfunctionality, driven universal evaluative component inherent their meaning, rooted implied polarization concepts ‘good’ ‘bad.’ emotional moral dimensions contribute heightened perception effective communication media discourse.