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In:Thinking and Speaking About Time: A cognitive linguistic approach
Edited by Rita Brdar-Szabó and Mario Brdar
[Human Cognitive Processing 81] 2026
► pp. 252–278

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Chapter 9
Approaching the end of the time metaphor game

Some constructions with the Moving-Ego metaphors from a cross-linguistic perspective

 | Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapest
 | University of Osijek
 | Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapest
 | Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapest
 | Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapest
Published online: 27 January 2026
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https://doi.org/10.1075/hcp.81.09brd
Abstract
This chapter is concerned with some cross-linguistic asymmetries in the use of the two types of time metaphors, the Moving-Time and the Moving-Ego metaphor, in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Bahasa Indonesia, Javanese and Turkish. The latter type of metaphor appears to be far less natural in these languages in certain contexts. However, when talking about relatively short dynamic events such as matches or concerts, Moving-Ego metaphors are more appropriate than Moving-Time metaphors. We have attested such a switch in Japanese, Bahasa Indonesia, and to a degree in Turkish, squaring with what we find in Hungarian and Croatian. The acceptability of Moving-Ego metaphors also correlates with the active participation of the Ego in these events as well as the Ego’s subjective involvement in them.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Methodology and data
  • 3.Moving-Ego metaphors vs. Moving-Time metaphors:
    “the end of X” constructions from a cross-linguistic perspective
    • 3.1Moving-Ego metaphors vs. Moving-Time metaphors
      in Mandarin Chinese
    • 3.2Moving-Ego metaphors vs. Moving-Time metaphors in Japanese
    • 3.3Moving-Ego vs. Moving-Time metaphors in Bahasa Indonesia
    • 3.4A note on Moving-Ego time metaphors in Javanese
    • 3.5Moving-Time and Moving-Ego metaphors in Turkish
  • 4.Conclusions and further perspectives
  • Notes
  • References
  • List of abbreviations used in glosses
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