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The influence of L1 conceptual and linguistic knowledge on EFL learners’ comprehension and production of L2 metaphorical expressions

ORCiD logo with link | Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)
Published online: 7 October 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/pl.25016.aln
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of L1 conceptual and linguistic knowledge on Saudi Arabian EFL learners’ comprehension and production of English metaphorical expressions. Guided by the Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), the study employed a four-way typology that differed in the degree of conceptual and linguistic overlap between Arabic and English. Participants completed comprehension and production tasks targeting each metaphor type. Results showed significant differences across types, with higher accuracy for expressions that shared both conceptual and linguistic features across languages. These findings emphasize the impact of L1 conceptual and linguistic knowledge on learners’ comprehension and production of English metaphors and suggest implications for pedagogy and directions for future research.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Literature review
    • 2.1Metaphorical competence
    • 2.2The conceptual metaphor theory
    • 2.3The influence of L1 conceptual and linguistic knowledge on the comprehension and production of metaphorical expressions
  • 3.Method
    • 3.1Research design
    • 3.2Participants
    • 3.3Research context
    • 3.4Procedure & treatment
    • 3.5Data collection
    • 3.6Validity & reliability
    • 3.7Data analysis
  • 4.Results
    • 4.1Analysis of normality assumptions
    • 4.2The influence of L1 conceptual and linguistic knowledge on the comprehension of L2 metaphorical expressions
    • 4.3The influence of L1 conceptual and linguistic knowledge on the production of L2 metaphorical expressions
  • 5.Discussion
    • 5.1Analysis of the study results
    • 5.2Pedagogical implications of the study
    • 5.3Limitations & recommendations
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
References (42)
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