Metaphors we think with: A psycholinguistic study of cognitive transformation in who moved my cheese?

Abstract

This study investigates the role of conceptual metaphors in shaping cognitive transformation in Spencer Johnson’s Who Moved My Cheese?, using Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) developed by Lakoff and Johnson [1] as a framework. It aims to explore how metaphorical language mirrors and shapes the characters' psychological responses to change. The methodology integrates both qualitative and quantitative analyses, identifying various types of metaphors (structural, orientational, ontological, and personification), and exploring the use of modal verbs and conditional clauses to differentiate the speech patterns of the characters. The findings reveal that characters who use direct and decisive language, such as Sniff and Scurry, demonstrate greater adaptability to change, while those who rely on uncertain expressions, like Hem and Haw, exhibit cognitive resistance. The study concludes that metaphors serve not just as stylistic devices but as cognitive tools that shape thought, emotion, and behavior, highlighting the essential role of language in facilitating personal growth and decision-making.