Analisis Metafora Konseptual Cinta dalam Album 《如果雨之后》 (Rúguǒ Yǔ Zhīhòu) Karya Eric Chou (周興哲 (Zhōu Xìngzhé))

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the conceptual metaphor of love in the album 《如果雨之后》 (Rúguǒ Yǔ Zhīhòu) by Eric Chou (周興哲) based on Conceptual Metaphor Theory (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980). The study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data sources in the form of song lyrics in the album. Data were collected through listening and note-taking techniques, then analyzed by identifying metaphorical expressions, determining source domains and target domains, and examining the conceptual mapping process that forms metaphorical meaning. The results of the study show that abstract experiences, such as love, loss, longing, sadness, and suffering, are understood through concrete experiences originating from human interactions with the physical world. The metaphors found are dominated by ontological and structural metaphors. Ontological metaphors conceptualize love, emotions, and the self as fragile objects, body organs, temperature, and physical conditions that can be felt concretely. Meanwhile, structural metaphors are represented through the concepts of medical surgery, art, package delivery, cloud movement, and cracked buildings to explain the dynamics of romantic relationships. The research findings indicate that conceptual mapping between source and target domains allows emotional experiences to be understood more concretely through embodied experience. Thus, the conceptual metaphors in the album 《如果雨之后》 not only function as stylistic devices but also represent Eric Chou's conceptual system and cognitive way of thinking in constructing the meaning of love, loss, and human relationships.