PRASASTI: Journal of Linguistics
Vol 11, No 1 (2026)

Ontological Metaphors in Selected Songs of MLTR’s Greatest Hits Album: A Cognitive Semantic Study

Parasian, Nehemia Anugrah (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 May 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to classify ontological metaphors and interpret the conceptual mappings found in four selected songs by Michael Learns to Rock (MLTR) from their Greatest Hits album. Using the theoretical framework of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) by Lakoff and Johnson, this qualitative research analyzed the lyrics to identify metaphorical expressions that conceptualize abstract experiences through concrete entities. The findings revealed that ontological metaphors are manifested in various forms, including personification (e.g., love is treated as a human entity), substance metaphors (e.g., feelings treated as tangible objects), and container metaphors (e.g., the heart as a space to hold emotions). The conceptual mapping identified source domains such as human, object, and space, which are mapped onto target domains such as emotion, love, loss, and time. These metaphors help listeners conceptualize intangible experiences more concretely and emotionally. The study concludes that ontological metaphors play a crucial role in shaping emotional resonance and poetic imagery in song lyrics.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

pjl

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The Prasasti: Journal of Linguistics (PJL) is devoted to the problems of general linguistics. Its aim is to present work of current interest in all areas of linguistics. Contributions are required to contain such general theoretical implications as to be of interest to any linguist, whatever their ...