Conceptual Metaphor Analysis of the Word Aram (Virtue) in Thirukkural

Abstract

The term ‘aram’ is derived from the verb ‘aṟu’ and has subsequently evolved into ‘aṟam’. This word has various meanings, such as cut-through, create a path, and differentiate. Nevertheless, it is difficult to precisely determine the exact definition of ‘aṟam’. Hence, this study is undertaken for two main purposes. The primary goal is to categorise the metaphors associated with the term ‘aṟam’ in Thirukkural using the Conceptual Metaphor Theory. The second goal is to describe these metaphors by a comprehensive descriptive analysis. This study employs a qualitative research methodology. The data in this study was analysed using Lakoff & Johnson’s (2003) Conceptual Metaphor Theory. A total of 1,330 kuṟaḷs from Thirukkural were utilised as data sources to categorise the metaphors associated with the term aṟam. The analysis determined that the term aṟam contains a total of 49 metaphors. Out of them, 30 metaphors (59%) are classified as structural metaphors, 16 metaphors (31%) are categorised as orientational metaphors, and 5 metaphors (10%) fall under the ontological category. To summarise, considering these three classifications of metaphors, it is evident that all of them are inherently interconnected with the notion of love.