The Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying the Concept of سرعة (Speed) in Arabic

Despite the wide range of studies on how students’ past knowledge influences their understanding scientific terminology, few were conducted to compare non-scientific language with language, or rather everyday from a cognitive linguistic perspective. The present paper aims determine mechanisms, i.e., image schemas, conceptual metaphor, and metonymy, which underpin conceptualisation Arabic term سرعة (speed), using metaphor theory framework. Thus, research question guiding this study is: What mechanisms underlie concept (speed) in Arabic? findings will shed light Arab speakers conceptualise term, demonstrating background compared its meaning. article adds growing body linguistics processes behind physics terms. data was collected Web Corpus (arTenTen) Sketch Engine. demonstrated that VERTICATLITY SCALE schemas are most dominant anchor meaning speakers’ perceptions under investigation discourse it is employed, as well offer concrete basis for metaphors. CHANGE IS MOTION (LOCATION) also shown be active motivating conception SPEED Arabic.